Eurovision Was Traditionally a Whimsical Delight – However It Has Evolved Into a Calculated Tool to Whitewash War.
An new initialism emerged a few months into the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Known as WCNSF, it means “Child casualty without any family left”. This term is unique to Gaza, per insights from medical experts such as child health specialists. Normally, it is uncommon for medical staff to attend to a child who has been bereaved of their whole family. But, there has been nothing “normal” about the devastating conflict in Gaza, where complete genealogies have been obliterated and the number of child amputees exceeds that of any other region in the world. No sense of normalcy about scores of doctors arriving back from a devastated terrain with accounts of children being deliberately targeted.
An Unimaginable Crisis Despite a Announced Cessation of Hostilities
Gaza remains an utter catastrophe. Vital medicines and equipment are not getting in those in need, and groups like Amnesty International assert that violations are ongoing. Authorities disputes these accusations, just as it denies everything it is charged with. Meanwhile, while traumatised orphans are now freezing in temporary shelters, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from continuing with its stated mission of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” Organizers will continue to offer a blood-red carpet for Israel, although several European countries have now withdrawn in objection. Since this, apparently, is what global togetherness resembles.
Eurovision, of course banned Russia from competing in 2022 because of the “grave situation in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza is completely different.
Contradictory Principles
Overlook the circumstance that Israel was criticized for unfair vote practices last year in what could be seen as an bid to manipulate Eurovision. Ignore the report that a toddler was allegedly fatally struck in Gaza recently. Pay no mind to the evidence that settler violence and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Disregard the condition that global media are still denied unfettered access in Gaza. None of this, it would seem, should be allowed to get in the way of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.
The Show Goes On While Ignoring Profound Human Cost
Eurovision marks seven decades next year – roughly two times the current lifespan of a person in Gaza at present. The broadcast will air, but it will find it impossible to reclaim the whimsical pleasure it historically embodied. An institution that once promoted peace has devolved into a blatant mechanism to whitewash war.
