GAZA, (PIC)
The Forum of Palestinian Journalists (FPJ) has applauded international broadcasters’ decision to boycott the Eurovision song contest to be held next month in Vienna, saying they have “sided with truth and humanity.”
In a statement on Monday, FPJ welcomed Ireland and Slovenia’s steps to confront attempts to whitewash Israel’s crimes in the Gaza Strip, commending their refusal to broadcast the Eurovision song contest.
“We highly value the growing media efforts linked to the music festival, which was reflected in the decision of the Irish broadcasting authority to completely boycott Eurovision and refrain from airing its events,” FPJ said.
“It is a firm political and moral message that expresses the pulse of the free Irish people and their rejection of using art to polish Israeli violations,” FPJ added.
FPJ also hailed the Slovenian radio and television authority’s announcement to replace Eurovision coverage with documentaries and special programs on Palestine, describing the decision as a “professional and ethical step.”
The Forum considered such positions a “reflection of growing global awareness within media and artistic circles about the dangers of exploiting major cultural events, foremost Eurovision, to whitewash Israeli violations.”
It stressed that Israel’s participation in Eurovision places the organizers under heightened moral responsibility and accountability.
This comes amid mounting international efforts to boycott Eurovision, marked by mass protests held in European capitals, withdrawals by artists and jury members, and refusals by media outlets to broadcast the contest.
