'Silent' protest against Israel's Eurovision participation to take place in Basel

A 'silent' Pro-Palestinian demonstration is set to take place in the Eurovision host city of Basel, in protest of Israel's participation in this year's song contest.

Basel for Palestine has instructed marchers not to make "chants or slogans", during the walk on May 14, the same date on which the state of Israel was created in 1948.

"On the eve of the Nakba day, we invite you all to join us on a silent walk through the city of Basel," the group wrote on social media. Nakba Day commemorates 15 May, 1948, when an estimated 750,000 Palestinians were displaced.

Police in Basel have approved a demonstration against antisemitism for Thursday, ahead of Israeli singer Yuval Raphael's performance in the second semi-final.

Ireland, Spain and Iceland had called for a discussion on Israel's participation in Eurovision ahead of the event. Furthermore, over 70 former Eurovision contestants, including Ireland's 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan, signed an open letter urging the event's organisers to ban Israel and its national broadcaster, Kan.

Israel's involvement was cause for controversy during last year's competition, sparking protests in host city Malmö. 56,000 people had signed a petition at the time to ban Israel's from taking part, which the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) rejected.

Furthermore, Ireland's 2024 contestant Bambie Thug accused KAN of "inciting violence" against them on multiple occasions. The singer withdrew from dress rehearsals over the incident, with the EBU later confirming that it had spoken with KAN about how they were covering the event.

Eurovision 2025 kicked off on Tuesday night. There were a number of changes made from from last year, including the easing of a ban of certain flags, meaning Palestinian flags could be seen during the broadcast.

There was also a pre-recorded message from Celine Dion, who represented Switzerland during their 1988 Eurovision victory.

Ten countries advanced to the final, with Ireland's contestant EMMY looking to the same when she performs 'Laika Party' during the second semi-final on Thursday evening.