Fans are tired of the unrest about Israel's participation: 'It's not about politics'

Hanne Bjørn is frustrated with the current division and unrest surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision Song Contest 2026. As the head of Melodi Grandprix fans DK, she represents numerous members who all share a common goal: they want the European singing competition to remain a celebration.

> It's not about politics, this. It's about being together. It's about music.

> Hanne Bjørn

According to her, Eurovision fans are wild about the show, each other, and the music. Therefore, she is also annoyed by the debate. She believes that it divides people more than it unites them.

> I simply say that there is so much love in this environment because people are happy and think it's a celebration. That's why I get so irritated when there are some who try to hijack the celebration with their political messages, she says.

> It's not about politics, this. It's about being together. It's about music. It's about celebration.

Is Eurovision in crisis? Here's what Hanne Bjørn's response is:

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A major topic of discussion in Israel

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Hanne Bjørn has no opinion on whether Israel should participate in the singing competition or not. She maintains that it is the decision of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Four countries - the Netherlands, Slovenia, Ireland, and Spain - have threatened to leave the competition if Israel participates.

From DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) it sounds like the Danes are still looking forward to participating in Eurovision 2026.

Read also: If these three conditions are not met, DR will reconsider its participation in Eurovision (https://www.dr.dk/news/culture/if-these-three-conditions-are-not-met-dr-will-reconsider-its-participation-in)

> From DR's side, we have clearly stated that we will participate, but we do so on the condition that there is a sense of unity around Eurovision across Europe, that security is ensured, and that the event is apolitical, says leading editorial chief in DR Culture, Debate, and Music, Gustav Lützhøft.

> So it's clear that if there are signs that the unity is eroding, that's something we take very seriously. Because it's one of the key factors for our participation.

Here's what DR's participation in Eurovision is about:

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A major topic of discussion in Israel

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In Israel, there is also much discussion about whether they will be allowed to participate. According to Alon Amir, an Israeli expert on and author of two books about Eurovision,

> We all wonder: Will we be there? Won't we be there?

> We talk a lot about who is with us and who is against us. That's the kind of conversations that are happening, he says.

He agrees with the Danish fans' leader, Hanne Bjørn, that Eurovision should be a non-political event - war in Gaza or not.

> We talk a lot about who is with us and who is against us.

> Alon Amir

Therefore, he can't see any reason why Israel should withdraw.

In July, the Israeli TV channel KAN confirmed that Israel plans to participate in Eurovision 2026 (https://www.dr.dk/event/melodigrandprix/more-countries-threaten-boycott-will-withdraw-if-israel-is-in-eurovision).

> The Israeli people want to see Israel in the singing competition because it's important for them, he says.

> Israel is a small country. Every year we are proud of our contribution, and it has become even more important for us in recent years to participate in international competitions or events like Eurovision.

The international community's increasing criticism of the Israeli government's war in Gaza should, according to him, not have any influence on whether Israel can participate or not.

The big question is whether the celebration will continue at Eurovision 2026, regardless of who may end up participating or withdrawing.

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