Protesters hold posters at a concert to commemorate the Palestinian children who have died during the war in Gaza, as Germany mark World Children’s Day, in Berlin, Sept. 20, 2025. (Photo: AP)
Spain said this week it would boycott the world's largest live televised music event in May if Israel participated, and Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands have made similar threats.
"Eurovision was founded to bring nations together through music. Excluding Israel today goes against this fundamental idea and turns a celebration of understanding between peoples into a tribunal," said Wolfram Weimer in a statement.
"It's precisely because Eurovision was born on the ruins of war that it should not become a scene of exclusion."
Austria, which is hosting the next Eurovision, had on Friday expressed regret over the threats.
Other countries like Belgium, Sweden, and Finland are also considering a boycott and have time till December to decide.
"Eurovision is based on the principle that artists are judged on their art and not on their nationality. The culture of cancellation is not the solution -- the solution is diversity and cohesion," Weimer said.
"It's precisely because Eurovision was born on the ruins of war that it should not become a scene of exclusion," he added.
The European Broadcasting Union, the organiser of Eurovision, is set to decide whether Israel will take part in the 2026 edition at its general assembly in December.
This year's edition in Basel in Switzerland drew in 166 million viewers across 37 countries.
Pro-Palestinian activists protested in Malmo, Sweden in 2024 and in Basel in May over Israel's participation amid its devastating offensive in Gaza.
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