More than 1,000 celebrities back Israel’s Eurovision inclusion amid boycott calls
High-profile figures sign an open letter defending Israel’s place in contest as pressure mounts to exclude it
More than 1,000 figures from the global entertainment industry have signed an open letter supporting Israel’s continued participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, pushing back against growing calls for a boycott.
The letter, organised by the non-profit Creative Community for Peace, brings together actors, musicians and executives who argue that Israel should not be excluded from the competition.
Signatories include Amy Schumer, Helen Mirren and Boy George, alongside names such as Mila Kunis and Israeli artist Noa Kirel.
The intervention comes amid renewed pressure on the European Broadcasting Union to remove Israel from the contest, with some artists and campaigners urging participating countries to withdraw.
In the letter, signatories say Eurovision should remain focused on music rather than politics, warning that excluding Israel would undermine the spirit of the competition.
“We, the undersigned members of the entertainment industry, are writing to express our support for Israel’s continued inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest,” the letter states.
It adds: “Those who are calling for Israel’s exclusion are subverting the spirit of the Contest and turning it from a celebration of unity into a tool of politics.”
Music manager Scooter Braun said: “Music is a place for unity, not division. It is a language that should always bring us together. Artists should never be discriminated against for who they are, who they love, or where they’re born.”
KISS frontman Gene Simmons added: “Those advocating to exclude an Israeli singer from Eurovision don’t move the needle towards peace, but only further divide the world.”
Actor Mayim Bialik said calls to boycott Israeli performers were “abhorrent and shameful”, adding that targeting artists “tarnished the unifying spirit that is Eurovision”.
Television personality Sharon Osbourne said attempts to exclude Israelis were “twist(ing) art into a tool of division” and “erod(ing) the shared humanity that the arts are meant to preserve”.
Organisers said the letter reflects what they described as a broad coalition within the entertainment world, opposing cultural boycotts of Israel and supporting all contestants in this year’s competition.
To see the full letter and list of signees, click here
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