An open letter, endorsed by over 400 figures in the entertainment industry such as KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, DISTURBED singer David Draiman, and Sharon Osbourne, wife/manager of Ozzy Osbourne, has been issued by the non-profit organization Creative Community For Peace. The letter expresses support for the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision to include Israel in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, amidst calls from others for Israel’s exclusion.
The initiative comes in response to objections raised against Israel’s participation in the contest. In December, Iceland’s Association Of Composers And Lyricists declared Israel’s involvement incompatible due to its military actions in Gaza, stating they contradict the event’s spirit of joy and optimism. Meanwhile, in Finland, over 1,400 music industry professionals signed a petition accusing their national broadcaster Yle of hypocrisy for demanding Russia’s ban after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while allowing Israel’s participation.
The letter from Creative Community For Peace emphasizes Eurovision’s unique ability to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and acknowledges music’s potential to promote positive change globally. It asserts that the annual event, which boasts more viewers than the Super Bowl, should be celebrated as a unifying platform rather than politicized.
Gene said: “Music unites people from all backgrounds. It’s the one language that everyone can understand. It’s a beautiful thing and a great way to bring people together. Those advocating to exclude an Israeli singer from Eurovision don’t move the needle towards peace, but only further divide the world.”
This statement marks a significant milestone, being the first declaration from the entertainment industry explicitly endorsing Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
“We have been shocked and disappointed to see some members of the entertainment community calling for Israel to be banished from the Contest for responding to the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust,” the letter reads. “Under the cover of thousands of rockets fired indiscriminately into civilian populations, Hamas murdered and kidnapped innocent men, women, and children,” it continues.
On Eurovision‘s impact, the letter states, “We believe that unifying events such as singing competitions are crucial to help bridge our cultural divides and unite people of all backgrounds through their shared love of music.” The letter concludes: “Those who are calling for Israel’s exclusion are subverting the spirit of the Contest and turning it from a celebration of unity into a tool of politics.”
