Eurovision Used to Be a Campy Joy – Yet It Has Become a Cynical Way to Whitewash War.

An new term came to light a couple of months into Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Referred to as WCNSF, it signifies “Child casualty without any family left”. This designation is unique to Gaza, according to medical experts such as child health specialists. Ordinarily, it is uncommon for physicians to care for a young patient who has been bereaved of their whole family. Yet, there has been no semblance of normality about the devastating conflict in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been eradicated and the number of children who have lost limbs is greater than that of any other region in the world. Nothing ordinary in numerous doctors coming back from a devastated terrain with reports of children being systematically aimed at.

A Living Nightmare Regardless of a Reported Truce

The Gaza Strip continues to be hell on earth. Essential medical supplies are not getting in those in need, and major human rights organizations contend that genocidal acts are still being committed. Officials rejects these accusations, just as it disavows all charges it is accused of. But while traumatised orphans are now enduring frigid conditions in makeshift tent camps, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from advancing its stated mission of “togetherness and cultural exchange.” The contest will continue to roll out a blood-red carpet for Israel, even though several European countries have now pulled out in protest. Since this, apparently, is what international harmony manifests as.

Historically, Eurovision excluded Russia from participating in 2022 over the “serious conflict in Ukraine”. However, the situation in Gaza is completely different.

Contradictory Principles

Disregard the reality that Israel was accused of questionable voting tactics last year in what seems to have been an effort to politicise Eurovision. Ignore the report that a toddler was allegedly fatally struck in Gaza recently. Neglect the data that settler violence and forced displacement in the West Bank have surged. Forget the fact that international journalists are still denied independent reporting in Gaza. This entire context, it would seem, should be permitted to obstruct of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.

The Show Goes On While Ignoring Staggering Tragedy

Eurovision turns 70 next year – roughly two times the average life expectancy of a person in Gaza at present. The broadcast will air, but it will never be able to restore the pure, unadulterated fun it was formerly known for. An institution that was originally built on peace has devolved into a blatant mechanism to sanitize military aggression.