Music Show in Vienna Faces Global Protest

The big music event will be held in Vienna on Saturday. Five major broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia have decided not to send a song. They do so because Israel is allowed to compete after it started fighting in Gaza. The fight began on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel. Israel then launched a strong military response that caused many Palestinian deaths and damaged the Gaza Strip. The organizers say the contest is meant to bring people together through music. They want it to stay neutral, but some viewers see it as a political stage. Because of the boycott, only 35 countries will send songs. Last year, more than 166 million people watched from around the world.Now only about 25 will appear on Saturday’s final. In Vienna, people have been talking loudly about Israel. Police are ready for protests that might block the arena before the show starts at 9 p. m. During a previous round, a protester shouted “Stop the genocide” near a microphone. He and three others were taken out of the hall. Israel’s performer, Noam Bettan, said he heard boos when he sang. The European Broadcasting Union warned Israel’s TV network after a video showed him asking viewers to vote for him ten times. The network said it followed the rules and removed the video. Finland’s entry, “Flamethrower, ” is the favorite. Australia’s song, “Eclipse, ” is also popular.