Eurovision Was Once a Whimsical Delight – But It Has Evolved Into a Cynical Way to Whitewash War.
A freshly coined initialism came to light a couple of months into the military campaign against Gaza. Known as WCNSF, it stands for “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This designation is specific to Gaza, according to doctors such as paediatricians. Ordinarily, it is unusual for doctors to care for a young patient who has lost their whole family. Yet, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary about the genocide in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been eradicated and the number of children who have lost limbs is greater than that of any other place in the world. Nothing ordinary about many doctors coming back from a devastated terrain with reports of children being intentionally shot at.
A Living Nightmare Despite a Announced Cessation of Hostilities
Gaza remains an utter catastrophe. Essential medical supplies are failing to reach those in need, and major human rights organizations have stated that genocidal acts are still being committed. The Israeli government disputes these allegations, just as it refutes everything it is charged with. Yet as traumatised orphans are now freezing in makeshift tent camps, there is a piece of uplifting information: apparently nothing is going to stop the international singing competition from advancing its declared purpose of “unity and artistic sharing.” Organizers will continue to extend a welcoming platform for Israel, although a number of European countries have now pulled out in protest. And this, apparently, is what global togetherness manifests as.
The contest, notably prohibited Russia from participating in 2022 due to the “grave situation in Ukraine”. However, the situation in Gaza seems entirely distinct.
A Double Standard
Forget the fact that Israel was alleged to have used irregular participation methods last year in what could be seen as an bid to manipulate Eurovision. Set aside the news that a young child was reportedly killed in Gaza on a recent Sunday. Forget the fact that aggression from Israeli settlers and forced displacement in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Forget the fact that international journalists are still denied unfettered access in Gaza. This entire context, evidently, should be seen as a barrier of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.
The Contest Continues While Ignoring Staggering Tragedy
The contest turns 70 next year – nearly twice the projected longevity of someone in Gaza now. The show may go on, but it will likely never recapture the pure, unadulterated fun it historically embodied. A contest that was originally built on togetherness has devolved into a transparent instrument to whitewash war.
