Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined thousands in Malmo, the host city of Eurovision 2024, to protest against Israel’s participation in the contest. This protest coincided with the second semi-final of the event.
Malmo, which welcomed around 100,000 visitors for Eurovision, witnessed significant protests over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Thunberg, at 21, participated actively, donning a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian resistance.
Security was tight around Malmo Arena, with metal barricades and concrete blocks in place. Visitors underwent metal detector screenings, and bag checks were stringent.
Israeli contestant Eden Golan, 20, was set to perform “Hurricane” later that Thursday.
Protesters also converged on Malmo’s central square, Stortorget, about 7 kilometres from the arena. They waved Palestinian flags and chanted for a boycott of Israel.
Authorities in Sweden increased security, preparing for potential unrest. Live footage showed a heavy police presence in the square.
Protester Kasia Wiatrowska expressed mixed feelings, noting the divisive impact of the event this year, despite her love for Eurovision.
The demonstration attracted about 5,000 participants. Palestinian protester Amar criticized perceived global hypocrisy and clarified that the protest was against the actions in Gaza, not against Jewish people.
A counter-protest supporting Israel was also scheduled.
Malmo police heightened security for all delegations, especially Israel’s, given the current tensions. Lotta Svensson, a police incident commander, emphasized the extra precautions.
The European Broadcasting Union, overseeing Eurovision, faced pressure to exclude Israel but only requested a lyric change in Israel’s original song, “October Rain,” which referenced a Hamas attack.
Eden Golan hoped her performance would bring unity. “It’s a super important moment for us, especially this year,” she said, feeling honored to represent her country.
The semi-final featured contestants from multiple countries and was set to start at 1900 GMT.
