The Eurovision Song Contest (Eurovision) started in 1956. Eurovision is an international song competition held primarily among the member countries of the “European Broadcasting Union.” Each participating country submits an original song to be performed on live television and radio, then votes are cast for the other countries’ songs to determine the winner. At least 50 countries are eligible to compete. Israel and Iceland became participants in 1973 and 1986, respectively, as the number of entries has increased over time. I recognize only three winners: ABBA; Celine Dion; and, Katrina and the Waves.
This year’s competition is held in Tel Aviv, Israel, and a minor controversy is brewing. The first semifinal ended today, sending ten acts to the “Grand Final,” which included Iceland’s Hatari. Hatari has sparked controversy in Israel by initially vowing to use the Eurovision spotlight to expose Israeli hatred of the Palestinians. Hatari means “hater” in the native tongue, and they are a performance-art band that employs BDSM messaging; however, that is not the problem. I repeat, Hatari is critical of Israel’s ongoing military occupation of Palestinian territory, and the disproportionate use of force by killing, bombing, and incarcerating Palestinians as well as segregation and discrimination based on race. On a significantly lighter note, Hatari has challenged Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, to a wrestling match to be overseen by a “neutral UN-sponsored referee,” according to the London Guardian.
What are the odds of a band critical of Israel’s form of governance will win a contest there?
Here is their song performed earlier today at Eurovision.
