Eurovision, Israel – Palestine | Play, laughter and deadly politics

In a short time there will be a bang in the southern Swedish city of Malmö.

That’s when Europe’s biggest and much-talked-about music festival, Eurovision, or Melodi Grand Prix as we like to call it here on the mountain, kicks off in Malmö Arena.

Glitter, glam, music, loose play and lots of laughter.

But…

Because there is at least one never-so-small but this year:

Around 100,000 visitors and any demonstrators are met with traffic barriers, extensive alarm systems and a large police presence.

Also read: Swedish police promise massive security measures around Eurovision

Politicized powder keg

Thousands of police officers, also from Norway, will do their best to ensure that this year’s extremely politicized powder keg does not catch fire.

The reason is what is happening between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza – in a completely different part of the world that is not called Europe.

One of the world’s largest and strongest defense nations is pumping almost everything they have into Gaza and the Palestinians, who are getting less and less space to huddle together – and less and less food, water, medicine and other things that are needed to actually survive.

Not mentioned is the blockade and Israel deciding what and who comes out or in from the inferno Gaza.

This after extreme Hamas terrorists entered Israel on 7 October last year and killed innocents on foot and kidnapped numerous Israelis.

Unacceptable. Yes, so to those degrees.

Hamas is not invited to dinner at my place, so to speak. Nor Netanyahu.

Also read: The Eurovision ban arouses reactions: – I think it’s tragic

An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth

But then there was this with an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Here we are suddenly talking about an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth on the part of the Israelis.

Let me repeat: Hamas terrorists were behind this. Not the usual Palestinian. The innocent who now have to pay with death and misery because someone thinks this is the right political way to go.

So to what this comment is really about:

Flag ban and gagging of freedom of expression.

No trespassing

Israel’s contribution is included in the final in Sweden. But it has not been easy to get that place. Because there have been enough loud protests. Artists wanted to withdraw, the world shouted “wrong and reprehensible”. But they are there.

Legally speaking: Correct as I interpret it. Morally speaking: Debatable as I interpret it.

If you arrive at Malmö Arena with an Israeli flag to cheer, you are most welcome. If you come with a Palestinian flag, you have two choices.

Drop the flag and enter − or no entry at all.

Freedom of expression must give way on the altar of security, is the argument used for the occasion.

On Thursday, Göteborgs-Posten was able to report that Eurovision organizer Ebu is banning Palestinian flags and signs with political messages or symbols inside the arena in Malmö during the competition.

With the exception of the Pride flag, only flags from the countries participating in Eurovision are allowed inside the arena.

But the fact that TV viewers will not see Palestinian flags in the hall appears completely unthinkable.

There are too many affected actors present for that.

Also read: There won’t be as good a party atmosphere during Eurovision this year

No rule without exception

A short time ago, Lyn and Vålerenga met in football.

The police confiscated at least 200 flares before the start of the match.

Nevertheless, parts of the pitch were completely covered in smoke early in the 2nd half and the match was interrupted for a few minutes until the smoke had subsided.

So yes, I’m pretty sure we’ll see a lot of Palestinian flags in Malmö.

And that’s a good thing – bans never so much.

Hello freedom of speech!