On Tuesday 12 May, an alternative song contest is taking place in Brussels to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and to protest against Israel's participation in the official Eurovision Song Contest. The line-up includes Gustaph and Geike Arnaert, who have both represented Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest in the past.
Alternative Song Contest in Brussels shows solidarity with the people of Palestine
Colin Clapson
Published:
Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has raised many an eyebrow, even before the outbreak of war in Iran. Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia have all withdrawn from the official contest in protest against the Israeli army's bloody crackdown on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Belgium’s Francophone broadcaster RTBF earlier confirmed Belgium's participation. The Flemish broadcaster VRT will broadcast the song contest but is not dispatching a commentator to Vienna to cover the event. Commentary will be provided from Brussels instead.
Protest materialises in Brussels
In protest, several Belgian organisations are holding an alternative song contest in the Brussels concert hall La Madeleine that very same evening. ‘We refuse to give a platform to genocide and warmongering,’ says Katrien De Ruysscher, who spoke on behalf of the organisers. 'If the official festival does not draw a line in the sand, then we will build another stage ourselves. 'United for Palestine' is for everyone who believes that culture is not separate from reality and human rights.'
Belgian stars Gustaph and Geike Arnaert will perform
The line-up also includes several Belgian artists who have themselves performed at the Eurovision Song Contest. Gustaph (seventh in Liverpool in 2023, which was Bekgium’s eighth best performance at Eurovision), Geike Arnaert (with Hooverphonic that ended in 19th place in Rotterdam in 2021) and Walter Verdin (with Pas de Deux that ended in 18th place in Munich in 1983) will all be on stage in Brussels. Other artists who will take part include Daan, Zap Mama and Stef Kamil Carlens. Nai Barghouti, a Palestinian singer, will also be on stage.
The event is an initiative of north south organisations 11.11.11 and INTAL, unions ABVV and ACV, peace charity Vrede vzw and SOS Gaza. More information is available on the www.unitedforpalestine.be website.
VRT's entry Rendez-vous with Pas de Deux caused furore in 1983