Eurovision Song Contest

Jerusalem Highlights: May 15-21

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

‘Angel for Jerusalem’
NOAM BETTAN and the Israeli delegation celebrate after qualifying for the Grand final during the first semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna, on Tuesday. (

My Word: The sounds that drown out the music - opinion

Graham Linehan speaking outside Southwark Crown Court, London, after he had his conviction for damaging the mobile phone of transgender activist Sophia Brooks overturned following an appeal hearing on May 1, 2026.

Writer of sitcom airing instead of Eurovision in Ireland calls boycott ‘disgraceful antisemitism'

Noam Bettan

Israel's Noam Bettan wins spot in Eurovision final at first semifinal


Eurovision host says it won't ban Palestinian flags, drown out boos during Israel's performance

The 70th edition of the contest in May will have just 35 entries, the fewest since 2003, after five national broadcasters said they would boycott the show in protest against Israel's participation.

Pro-Palestinian protestors hold a flag and a banner outside the RTE (Radio Telefis Eireann) Irish public service broadcaster television studios as demonstrators call for an Irish boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if there is Israeli participation, in Dublin, Ireland, November 1, 2025.

Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo announces they are returning their trophy in protest against Israel

The comments are the latest protest against the European Broadcasting Union, which has seen five countries pull out after it cleared Israel last week to take part in next year's event in Austria.

Nemo, representing Switzerland, performs "The Code" during the Grand Final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024.

Boycotts could hurt Eurovision budget but not the 'show,' host ORF says

At a meeting on Thursday, national broadcasters that make up the European Broadcasting Union cleared Israel to take part in the next contest in May

People cheer as they watch the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest finals being screened at a community center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 17, 2025.

Germany knows that erasing Israel from various platforms does nothing for peace - editorial

The Germans, speaking from painful experience, believe that this type of exclusion should never be normalized, and attempts to delegitimize an entire people never end well. The world should listen.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to suspend arms deliveries to Israel has unleashed quite a storm at home, says the writer.

Eurovision Song Contest changes voting rules after controversial allegations against Israel

The new rules by the European Broadcasting Union discourage governments and third parties from "disproportionately promoting" songs to sway voters.

 Yuval Raphael, representing Israel, attends the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, May 15, 2025

A ‘next’ star no more: Yuval Raphael burns bright in headlining concert debut - review

Yuval Raphael dazzles her Israeli fans in Tel Aviv, performing hits from her Eurovision journey, new EP, and more, with powerful tributes and surprise guests.

YUVAL RAPHAEL performs on Saturday night to ecstatic fans in Tel Aviv.

Eurovision shocker: Austria will not host if Israel boycott is approved

Following international pressure for the Eurovision Song Contest to boycott Israel, Austria announces that it will not take part if Israel is kept out.

JJ, representing Austria, winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, kisses his trophy during a visit to the Chancellory in Vienna, Austria, May 19, 2025

German Chancellor says Germany likely to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel banned

The German leader also expressed his condolences to Herzog on the upcoming two-year anniversary since Hamas had murdered 1,200 people and taken around 250 hostages in southern Israel. 

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden attends a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (not pictured) in Berlin, Germany, July 1, 2025.

EBU moves up vote on Israeli Eurovision participation to November

Israel has been taking part in Eurovision, which was established after World War II to provide a forum for peaceful competition among nations, since 1973.

Eurovision 2026 logo

Austria’s deputy FM urges EBU not to yield to Eurovision boycott 'blackmail'

Austria’s deputy FM urged the EBU not to yield to boycott calls over Israel’s Eurovision participation, calling cultural boycotts "foolish" and warning against giving in to political pressure.

Eurovision 2026 logo