Prominent figures, including Maxine Peake and Sarah Schulman, sign an open letter appealing to the UK’s Eurovision contender to withdraw over Israel’s participation

In a striking demonstration of solidarity, more than 450 queer artists, individuals, and organizations have collectively called upon Olly Alexander, the UK’s representative at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, to boycott the event in a gesture of support for Palestine. Among the notable signatories of the open letter are actor Maxine Peake and novelist Sarah Schulman, both advocating for Alexander’s withdrawal from the May contest amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The appeal, orchestrated by Queers for Palestine and disseminated through social media, emphasizes a shared aspiration for queer joy and liberation, urging Alexander to respond to the Palestinian call for Eurovision withdrawal. The letter starkly criticizes Israel’s participation, accusing the state of masking its alleged war crimes and human rights violations under the guise of Eurovision’s celebratory veneer.

The call for boycott has resonated beyond the letter, with endorsements from actors Indya Moore and Brigette Lundy-Paine, musicians Goat Girl and H Sinno, and writers Jason Okundaye and Jamie Windust, among others. This collective action underscores a broader, global critique of Israel’s policies and actions, aligning with the principles of the Palestinian-led boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement.

In solidarity, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel commended the queer community’s stance, viewing it as a pivotal moment for Eurovision participants to align with historical justice. This sentiment is echoed by over 1,000 Swedish artists and 1,400 Finnish music professionals, all advocating for Israel’s exclusion from the contest.

However, the debate surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision has also sparked opposing views. Television presenter Sharon Osbourne and Kiss musician Gene Simmons, among others, have signed a counter-letter facilitated by the Creative Community for Peace. This letter defends Israel’s contest involvement, condemning the calls for boycott as a misrepresentation of Israel’s defensive actions against Hamas.

As Eurovision’s grand final approaches on May 11 in Malmö, Sweden, the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation highlights the intersection of cultural events and geopolitical conflicts, challenging artists and audiences alike to consider the implications of their engagement.