The Irish broadcaster said that Ireland's participation in the contest "would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza".

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/35765654

The Irish state broadcaster RTÉ has said it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest “if the participation of Israel goes ahead”.

  • Ledivin@lemmy.world
    121·
    4 days ago

    I guess I’m confused… why is this even an issue? Israel is not a European country.

    • AnarchistArtificer@slrpnk.netEnglish
      3·
      3 days ago

      This confused me too, but I recently there’s a thing called the European broadcasting area. There are quite a few non-European countries that are eligible, but choose not to compete (such as many of the countries neighbouring Israel)

    • The Quuuuuill@slrpnk.netEnglish
      4·
      4 days ago

      Eurovision isn’t European specific, despite the name. think of it being like the world series, but in reverse. sure 29 out of the 30 participants are all in one part of one continent, but maybe someday some of them will be in a different continent