The Association of Composers and Lyricists of Iceland (FTT), which representing the interests of the country's artists, called on Iceland to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is banned from participating. This was reported by Sky News , according to UNN.
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Representatives of the Icelandic Society of Authors and Composers (FTT) has appealed to the country's public broadcaster Ríkisútvarpið (RÚV) with a request to cancel their country's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, which will take place in May in Malmö, Sweden. They claim that Israel should be denied participation in the contest, just as Russia was was denied participation in the 2023 contest.
We all have an obligation to speak out against war. ... We always have the choice not to put our name to such things, whether we are individuals or public institutions. ... We owe it to the countries that act with military force not to share with them events that are always characterized by joy and optimism
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In turn, RUV, at the Sky News' request, said that a demonstration was planned for Monday near the office to address this issue.
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Israel has been participating in the Eurovision Song Contest for 50 years. In 2023, it was represented by singer Noa Kirel, who took third place with 362 points (185 from the audience and 177 from the judges).
Following Netta Barzilai's Eurovision 2018 win, Israel held its own Eurovision Song Contest, featuring Icelandic band Hatari, who placed 10th in the final. During the broadcast, the musicians unfurled Palestinian flags at their table, which caused some backlash.
Recall
The final of the of the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 will take place on February 3. This was announced was reported by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.
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