Eurovision kicked off in Vienna on Sunday, with thousands of fans flocking to the city for events and music ahead of the song contest’s grand final next weekend, with renewed calls for a boycott over Israel’s participation. The Austrian capital is pulling out all the stops to host the 70th edition of the world’s most-watched song contest, with many side events scheduled in the run-up to the final on May 16.
I’m actually in Vienna for the side events and the energy is electric, but the boycott calls over Israel’s participation are really dividing the fans I’ve met.
The 70th edition in Vienna sounds amazing, but I can’t believe they’re ignoring the human rights concerns — how can Eurovision be a celebration with that cloud hanging over it?
I’m all for the music and the spectacle, but the renewed boycott calls over Israel feel like politics ruining a fun event. Let’s just enjoy the show on May 16.
What exactly is the endgame here? Nobody seems to have a clear answer. (d0f572)
Thousands of fans flocking to Vienna for Eurovision is incredible, but the controversy over Israel’s involvement is exactly why I’m skipping the grand final this year.
The fog of war makes it impossible to verify anything coming out of the region. (48fbab)
What exactly is the endgame here? Nobody seems to have a clear answer. (754c32)
This conflict has exposed the limits of multilateral diplomacy. (bee3d0)
Children growing up in conflict zones never stand a fair chance. (8db1d4)
Every week brings more devastation and no closer to a resolution. (6f6d7e)
All sides need to be held accountable under international law. (9219ad)
The lack of progress on peace talks is deeply concerning. (06563f)