As the sun set over Ta’ Qali National Stadium on Saturday, the glitz and glamour of the Eurovision Song Contest final should have been the talk of the town. But this year, the conversation in Malta’s cafes and on its streets was a little different. The boycott of Israeli participants, sparked by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, cast a shadow over the usually joyous occasion.

Malta, known for its progressive stance on social issues, has seen a growing movement calling for a boycott of Israeli goods and services. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which advocates for non-violent pressure on Israel until it complies with international law, has gained traction among local activists. This year’s Eurovision, with Israel’s Netta Barzilai defending her title, became a focal point for these sentiments.

Protesters gathered outside the stadium, holding signs with slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Eurovision”. They argued that hosting the event sends the wrong message, given the current political climate. “We’re here to raise awareness about the human rights violations happening in Palestine,” said Sarah, a local student who declined to give her last name. “We want Malta to stand on the right side of history.”

The boycott issue has also exposed a divide within Malta’s political scene. The Labour Party, currently in power, has been criticized for not doing enough to distance itself from Israel’s policies. The Opposition, led by the Nationalist Party, has been more vocal in its support for the Palestinian cause, calling for a boycott of Israeli goods.

In a statement, the Nationalist Party said, “We believe that until Israel complies with international law and respects the human rights of the Palestinian people, we should not be supporting events that give it a platform.” However, the Labour Party has maintained that boycotts are not the answer, instead advocating for diplomatic solutions.

Eurovision, known for its inclusive spirit, found itself in a delicate position. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, has maintained a neutral stance on the political issues surrounding the contest. In a statement, they said, “The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political event, and we do not get involved in international disputes.”

However, they also acknowledged the concerns of those protesting, saying, “We understand the concerns expressed by those protesting, but we believe the best way to bring about change is through dialogue and engagement, rather than boycotts.”

As the final notes of this year’s Eurovision echoed through Ta’ Qali, the conversation about boycotts and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continued. While the boycott may have taken some of the shine off this year’s event, it has also sparked a lively debate in Malta about the country’s role in international affairs. As Malta looks ahead to hosting the Junior Eurovision next year, it’s a conversation that’s set to continue.

“This is about more than just a song contest,” said another protester, who declined to be named. “It’s about standing up for what’s right, and making sure our voice is heard.”