Eurovision Was Once a Lighthearted Spectacle – However It Has Become a Calculated Tool to Sanitize Conflict.
A new term came to light a few months after the start of the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Known as WCNSF, it means “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This designation is found only in Gaza, according to health professionals including paediatricians. Typically, it is rare for medical staff to treat a young patient who has been bereaved of their entire family. But, there has been nothing “normal” about the widespread destruction in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been eradicated and the number of young amputees surpasses that of any other place in the world. No sense of normalcy in scores of doctors returning from a landscape of rubble with testimonies of children being intentionally shot at.
An Unimaginable Crisis Despite a Reported Truce
Gaza remains a profound humanitarian disaster. Vital medicines and equipment are not getting in those in need, and groups like Amnesty International contend that violations are continuing. Officials disputes these allegations, just as it disavows everything it is accused of. But while young survivors are now freezing in temporary shelters, there is some ostensibly positive news: nothing is going to stop the international singing competition from pursuing its declared purpose of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” Organizers will continue to roll out a blood-red carpet for Israel, although at least four European countries have now boycotted in dissent. Because this, we are told, is what international harmony resembles.
Eurovision, of course excluded Russia from competing in 2022 over the “grave situation in Ukraine”. However, the situation in Gaza seems entirely distinct.
A Double Standard
Disregard the reality that Israel was accused of irregular participation methods last year in what appears to have been an bid to manipulate Eurovision. Ignore the report that a young child was allegedly fatally struck in Gaza recently. Neglect the data that aggression from Israeli settlers and coerced removal in the West Bank have escalated. Disregard the condition that foreign reporters are still prevented from unfettered access in Gaza. None of this, evidently, should be permitted to obstruct of Eurovision’s self-proclaimed spirit of unity.
The Contest Continues Amidst Unimaginable Suffering
Eurovision marks seven decades next year – nearly twice the average life expectancy of someone in Gaza now. The broadcast will air, but it will likely never recapture the whimsical pleasure it was formerly known for. A contest that was originally built on peace has now become a transparent instrument to whitewash war.
