Eurovision winner wants 'Israel' out of contest over Gaza genocide
3 Min Read
Austrian singer JJ, winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, urges the European Broadcasting Union to exclude the Israeli occupation from Eurovision 2026 over its ongoing genocide in Gaza.
-
JJ from Austria performs the song "Wasted Love" during the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Austrian singer JJ, who won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, has called for the exclusion of the Israeli occupation from future editions of the competition, citing its ongoing war of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In an interview with El País published on Thursday, JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, expressed disapproval over the occupation's continued participation in Eurovision despite widespread condemnation.
"It is very disappointing to see Israel still participating in the contest. I would like next year's Eurovision to take place in Vienna without Israel," he said.
The singer acknowledged that the final decision rests with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), adding: "The ball is in the court of the organizer, the EBU. We, the artists, can only express our views on the subject."
The Israeli occupation's involvement in Eurovision 2025 has sparked international backlash, as its war on Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has claimed the lives of more than 53,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to the Strip's Health Ministry.
Activists and human rights groups have accused the EBU of double standards for allowing the regime to participate, despite widespread condemnation of its actions.
In turn, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed these concerns, stating that "what we cannot allow is double standards in culture."
JJ himself noted surprise at the EBU's decision, saying, "This year, everything happened in a very strange way."
Austria's public broadcaster ORF distanced itself from JJ's remarks, clarifying that they represent his personal opinion.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Eurovision 2024
Controversy surrounding the Israeli occupation's Eurovision involvement was already evident during the 2024 edition held in Malmö, Sweden. On May 9, around 5,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Malmö Arena to denounce the occupation’s inclusion in the contest.
The protests turned tense, with Swedish police deploying pepper spray and arresting several demonstrators. Among those detained was climate activist Greta Thunberg, who participated in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Inside the arena, the regime's contestant, Eden Golan, was met with boos during rehearsals. Her final performance was accompanied by chants of "Free Palestine."
In addition to criticizing the regime’s participation, JJ also questioned the transparency of the Eurovision voting process. His counterpart from the Israeli occupation, Yuval Raphael, topped the public televote, while JJ won the jury vote, securing the overall victory.
The stark contrast between jury and public voting led to renewed scrutiny of the Eurovision voting system.
Read next: 'Israel’ threatens to withdraw from Eurovision if entry lyrics vetoed
