Over 400 Irish film and TV producers call for Israel to be excluded from Eurovision

Over 400 independent Irish film and TV producers have signed an open letter calling for the exclusion of Israel from Eurovision.

The inclusion of the country in the competition has become a contentious issue in the context of the Israel-Hamas war, with over 66,000 Palestinians being killed since the onset of the war.

Despite the controversy surrounding Israel’s inclusion in the competition, the EBU have said that Yuval Raphael will be participating in the competition — despite RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst calling for a "discussion" with the EBU over concerns surrounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as the fate of hostages that were taken in the October 7 attacks.

Following Mr. Bakhurst’s comments, a number of TV and film presenters, some of whom have worked with RTÉ in the past, signed the open letter to the EBU, calling for them to reconsider their position surrounding Israel’s inclusion.

"Following your engagement and discussion with Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RTÉ, we are appealling directly to the EBU — as the central organising body of Eurovision — to reconsider its position," the letter read.

"We ask you to reflect on the principles that underpin this event, and to demonstrate consistency in how those principles are upheld in the face of grave humanitarian crises."

"To be absolutely clear: this is not a call rooted in opposition to any nationality, ethnicity, or religion. We condemn antisemitism and all forms of hatred. Our concern is with the actions of the Israeli state and military in Gaza, and the ethical implications of cultural participation in the context of escalating humanitarian catastrophe."

The open letter praised the EBU’s decision to expel Russia from the competition in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, but asked why the same isn’t being applied to Israel.

"We do not approach this matter lightly, nor do we conflate the cultural sphere with political ideology. But Eurovision is more than a song contest. It is a platform that claims to celebrate peace, unity, and cultural solidarity. Those values are not abstract; they carry meaning when they are tested. In 2022, the EBU demonstrated that meaning. The same ethical lens must be applied now."

"We ask plainly: why is the standard applied to Russia not being applied to Israel, despite the scale of destruction and suffering that has since unfolded?" the letter continued.

"We respectfully implore the EBU to revisit its position. We ask you to listen — not only to official diplomatic channels, but to the voices of civil society, creative professionals, and media workers across Europe who are watching this moment with growing dismay.

"This letter is not a rejection of Eurovision. On the contrary, it is a statement of belief in its cultural power and its symbolic importance. If Eurovision is to remain meaningful — if it is to reflect the best of European values — then those values must be applied fairly and consistently.

"We urge the EBU to reconsider Israel’s participation in the 2025 Contest. We call on you to demonstrate that Eurovision, and the public service institutions that sustain it, remain guided by a conscience."

Speaking earlier this week, Mr. Bakhurst confirmed that Ireland, who is being represented by EMMY next Thursday in the second semi final, will not be pulling out of the competition and that they don’t want to ‘undermine’ Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan.

"It’s just to have conversation, but it’s very complicated, and the position of the Israeli public service broadcaster – who is, in the end, who enters this competition – is pretty precarious and they’re under a lot of pressure from the Israeli government, and I don’t want to undermine the Israeli public service broadcaster," Mr. Bakhurst said.

"It is a very complicated issue, and I’m very well aware that a number of members would not be in favour of excluding Israel. That’s not the point.

"It needs to be raised in my view as a point of discussion."

*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.