Germany Against Eurovision Boycott Over Israel

The German Minister of Culture has criticized calls for a boycott of Eurovision due to Israel's participation. Wolfram Weimer emphasized that Eurovision was founded to bring nations together through music, and excluding Israel would be contrary to this fundamental idea.

Weimer followed the example of Austria, which also expressed regret over the calls for a boycott. Countries such as Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands have announced that they will not send a representative if Israel is allowed to participate. Other countries, such as Belgium, Sweden, and Finland, are also considering a boycott.

The minister added that Eurovision is based on the principle that artists are judged on their art and not their nationality. He also stressed that Eurovision should not become a scene of exclusion, as it was born from the ruins of war. Russia was excluded from Eurovision after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while Belarus was excluded a year earlier.

Germany, due to its historical responsibility for the Holocaust, is one of Israel's biggest supporters.