The Eurovision Song Contest Used to Be a Lighthearted Spectacle – Yet It Has Evolved Into a Strategic Method to Whitewash War.

An new term surfaced several months into the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Known as WCNSF, it means “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This term is found only in Gaza, per insights from doctors such as paediatricians. Typically, it is unusual for physicians to treat a child who has been bereaved of their whole family. Yet, there has been nothing “normal” regarding the genocide in Gaza, where complete genealogies have been obliterated and the number of children who have lost limbs is greater than that of anywhere else in the world. Nothing normal about scores of doctors coming back from a landscape of rubble with testimonies of children being intentionally shot at.

An Unimaginable Crisis Regardless of a Announced Cessation of Hostilities

Conditions in Gaza persist as hell on earth. Essential medical supplies are being blocked those in need, and international watchdogs have stated that violations are still being committed. The Israeli government has denied these accusations, just as it denies everything it is charged with. Meanwhile, while young survivors are now enduring frigid conditions in temporary shelters, there is a little heartwarming news: apparently nothing is going to stop the international singing competition from advancing its stated mission of “unity and artistic sharing.” Organizers will continue to extend a prestigious stage for Israel, despite the fact that several European countries have now pulled out in protest. Because this, we are told, is what global togetherness manifests as.

Eurovision, of course excluded Russia from taking part in 2022 because of the “grave situation in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza appears to be treated differently.

A Selective Vision

Overlook the circumstance that Israel was criticized for irregular participation methods last year in what could be seen as an attempt to manipulate Eurovision. Set aside the news that a toddler was reportedly killed in Gaza recently. Forget the fact that settler violence and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have escalated. Overlook the situation that foreign reporters are still denied unfettered access in Gaza. None of this, it would seem, should be permitted to obstruct of Eurovision’s cherished spirit of unity.

The Pageant Proceeds Amidst Staggering Tragedy

The contest marks seven decades next year – nearly twice the average life expectancy of a person in Gaza now. The broadcast will air, but it will find it impossible to reclaim the pure, unadulterated fun it was formerly known for. A contest that was originally built on peace has transformed into a transparent instrument to whitewash war.