Khaberni - Swiss singer Nemo, winner of the 2024 European Song Contest "Eurovision," announced his intention to return his award to the European Broadcasting Union in protest against the continued permission for Israel to participate in the contest despite widespread criticism related to the genocide war on Gaza.
Nemo said in a statement posted on his Instagram, "I no longer feel that this award has a place on my shelf."
The Swiss singer considered his decision to be in alignment with his moral stance on Israel's participation in the annual artistic event.
The "Eurovision" contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union and is the largest live broadcast music event in the world, featuring participation from dozens of countries.
In recent months, calls for excluding Israel from the contest have escalated due to the genocide in Gaza and the accompanying international condemnations.
On December 4th, members of the European Broadcasting Union decided not to put the issue of Israel's participation up for vote.
Following this decision, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland announced their withdrawal from the 70th edition of the contest scheduled to be held in Vienna next May.
Conflict in Values and Principles
Nemo, aged 26, explained that "Eurovision says it symbolizes unity, inclusiveness, and dignity for all people, these are the values that give this contest its true meaning for me."
He added, "The continued participation of Israel, in light of the findings by the UN's independent international inquiry commission describing the situation as genocide, reveals a clear conflict between these values and the decisions of the European Broadcasting Union."
He added, "When entire countries withdraw, it should be clear that there is a significant problem."
Nemo announced that he would officially return the award to the headquarters of the European Broadcasting Union in Geneva "with sincere thanks and a clear message: Stick to what you profess."
He continued, "If we do not apply the values we celebrate on stage in our daily lives, even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning, and until words match actions, this award is yours."
Approximately 37 countries participated in the "Eurovision 2025" edition held in Basel, Switzerland, and about 35 countries are expected to participate in the upcoming Vienna edition.
The latest edition of the contest witnessed clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and the police before the performance of the Israeli singer in the Eurovision Song Contest finals, and hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Basel to protest against Israel's participation in the singing contest.
