Protests in Malmo, ahead of Eurovision 2024 second semi-final. Greta Thunberg joined thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg joined thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Eurovision 2024 host city Malmo on Thursday to protest Israel’s participation in the contest ahead of this year’s second semi-final.

About 100,000 visitors flocked to the southern Swedish city for the Eurovision festival, which is taking place amid protests and boycotts over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, sparked by the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Reuters writes.

“Young people are leading the way and showing the world how we should react to this,” said Thunberg, 21, wearing a traditional headscarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance.

A large crowd of protesters gathered in central Malmo’s Stortorget square, about 7 kilometers from the competition venue, carrying Palestinian flags and chanting “boycott Israel”.

“I love Eurovision,” one protester told Reuters. “We all love music. But this year music is dividing people and I don’t like that.”

Another protester said he was taking part in the demonstration because he saw “hypocrisy and double standards around the world”.

“We are against what is happening in Gaza right now. But I also want people to understand that we don’t hate Jews,” he added.

A pro-Israel demonstration is also scheduled for Thursday.

Metal barricades and large concrete blocks have been erected around the Malmo Arena, which hosts the competition. Police guard the venue and visitors must pass through metal detectors before entering the arena. Bags are checked and the public is only allowed small luggage.

Israeli contestant Eden Golan, 20, will perform her song “Hurricane” in the second semi-final on Thursday, with the final taking place on May 11.

There is high security around the delegations from all countries, according to Malmo police.

“We are a bit more careful with the Israeli delegation, of course, because of the situation,” Lotta Svensson, a police commander, told Reuters.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, resisted calls for Israel to be excluded, but asked the country to change the lyrics of its original song, which appeared to refer to the Hamas attack.

Israeli contestant Golan says she hopes her performance will help bring people together.

“It’s a super important moment for us, especially this year,” she told Reuters in an interview this week. “I feel honored to have the opportunity to be the voice of my country.”

Thursday’s semi-final will also feature competitors from Malta, Albania, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia and Norway.

Publisher: MI

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