Statement from The Rising SE1 on Eurovision 2025

 

The Rising SE1 stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people — now and always. In light of the ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli government in Gaza, we are calling for Israel to be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest.

 

We understand that there are many complex and passionate feelings within our community around the call to boycott Eurovision. After much discussion and careful deliberation, we have made the decision to empty chair the Israeli entry. We will not platform or air it — a clear message to broadcasters, decision-makers, and the EBU that it is ludicrous and offensive for Israel to be allowed to participate under the current circumstances.

 

We make this decision not in opposition to the values of Eurovision, but because of them. We believe in the spirit of unity, creativity, and togetherness that international events like this can bring to the world — and we stand against the hypocrisy of allowing participation from a government actively committing atrocities.

 

We also call for performers to be allowed to display political and LGBTQ+ flags on stage without censorship.

 

We believe in a free Palestine. We believe in peace, justice, and human dignity — for everyone.