Johnny Logan Calls for Israel’s Exclusion from Eurovision Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Ireland’s most prosperous Eurovision contestant,johnny Logan,has publicly called for Israel to be barred from participating in teh annual song contest,citing concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The three-time winner voiced his strong support for the decision made by ireland’s national broadcaster,RTÉ,to withdraw from the competition next year.
The singer-songwriter expressed his sentiments during an interview with RTÉ’s This Week program, stating he was “proud” of RTÉ’s decision. “I really feel that in this case, RTÉ definitely made the right decision,” he said. Logan believes allowing Israel to compete provides a false sense of normalcy. “I don’t think that israel should be allowed to hide under the umbrella of the Eurovision… make it look as tho, everything’s okay, business as usual, as it’s not.” He added,”I think most peopel in Ireland would agree with that.”
Logan applauded RTÉ’s proactive stance, noting the decision was made before a song and performer where selected. He further argued that the Eurovision Song Contest is not immune to political considerations, referencing the exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. “They did it with Russia in the Eurovision… they say that the Eurovision is nonpolitical but the reality of it is when it is necessary it becomes political,” Logan explained.
the artist connected the situation to broader international concerns, citing comments made by former U.S.President Donald Trump regarding Gaza. “When you have someone like Donald Trump describe Gaza as real estate, it’s appalling,” he stated. “There has to be a point where a voice is heard. It’s not okay.”
Logan’s criticism extends to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU),which he believes should have proactively disqualified Israel. “I think that the EBU should have made a decision regarding Israel, a decision removing them from the show and taking that decision away from individual countries,” he asserted. He reiterated his full support for RTÉ’s self-reliant action, stating, “But being as it is.I really think that what ireland, what RTÉ, have done is exactly the right thing to do. I support them 100%.”
He emphasized that his call for Israel’s removal is not directed at the Israeli people. “And it’s not about the Israeli people, it’s about the people in charge.”
Logan concluded by urging other national broadcasters to join Ireland in a boycott of this year’s competition. Yuval Raphael is currently slated to represent Israel in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest.
news Report – Expanded and Detailed
Who: Johnny Logan, Ireland’s most successful Eurovision contestant, is leading calls for Israel’s exclusion from the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, has already withdrawn from the competition. yuval Raphael is the currently selected Israeli contestant.
What: Logan publicly urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to disqualify Israel, arguing that its participation provides a false sense of normalcy amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He supports RTÉ’s decision to boycott the contest and is calling on other national broadcasters to follow suit.
Why: Logan believes allowing Israel to compete “adds a kind of respectability to the way they’ve behaved.” He draws parallels to the exclusion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, stating that the Eurovision Song Contest isn’t truly non-political. He also expressed dismay at international figures, like former President Trump, downplaying the severity of the situation in Gaza. Logan clarified his stance is not against the Israeli people,
