Members of SIPTU at RTÃ are demanding the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) suspend Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. This call followed a similar demand from the National Union of Journalists. RTÃ's director-general voiced concerns to the EBU but stated that the network would not withdraw from the contest. SIPTU officials condemned the EBU for normalizing Israelâs actions amidst ongoing humanitarian crises in Palestine, stressing the need for moral leadership. The discussion included Israelâs actions preventing Palestinian participation in cultural events, drawing attention to perceived injustices.
Greg Ennis, deputy general secretary of Siptu, stated, "As Israel prepares to take to the Eurovision stage this evening, we wholeheartedly condemn the EBU's repeated refusal to take responsibility, to show moral leadership and to cease providing a global platform for Israeli advocacy."
Ennis claimed that by including Israel, the EBU is "normalising and whitewashing Israel's genocidal actions and war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, which has turned Palestine into the greatest humanitarian crisis in generations."
Adrian Kane highlighted the contradiction by stating that while "Israel wishes to present itself as a normal democracy it fails to even give a semblance of respect to international law" in restricting Palestinian participation.
Bakhurst emphasized RTÃ's position, saying while they will not withdraw from the contest, they are raising serious concerns regarding Israel's inclusion directly with the EBU.
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