Dozens of former Eurovision contestants have signed an open letter urging the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel from the 2025 competition, which is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland. The letter, signed by over 70 former participants, including winners and representatives from various countries, accuses Israeli public broadcaster KAN of complicity in actions against Palestinians.
The signatories argue that allowing Israel's participation normalizes and whitewashes alleged crimes, referencing the EBU's previous expulsion of Russia in 2022. They believe that the EBU is applying a double standard. The letter also points to the controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the 2024 contest, which they describe as highly politicized.
The EBU has acknowledged the concerns but maintains that Eurovision is a non-political event and that KAN is an independent broadcaster. The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is scheduled to take place in Basel, with the semi-finals on May 13 and 15, and the grand final on May 17. Israel will be represented by Yuval Raphael, who will perform the song "New Day Will Rise".