Malta’s Eurovision Divide: To Watch or Boycott?
Eurovision’s Sparkle Dimmed: Boycotts Over Israel Cast Shadow on Malta’s Favourite Show
As the sun sets over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the capital’s usually bustling streets are eerily quiet. The reason? Locals are glued to their screens, not for the latest Netflix series, but for the annual spectacle that is the Eurovision Song Contest. This year, however, the glitz and glamour of the event are somewhat tarnished, thanks to a boycott movement over the host country, Israel.
Malta’s Love Affair with Eurovision
Malta’s passion for Eurovision is no secret. We’ve been tuning in since 1971, and in 2005, we even won the whole shebang with ‘Angel’ by Chiara. Every year, our TV screens light up with colourful performances, and our living rooms echo with the collective gasps and cheers of fellow Eurovision enthusiasts. But this year, the buzz is different. It’s tinged with controversy.
The Boycott Movement: A Closer Look
Israel was chosen to host the 2019 contest after winning the 2018 competition with ‘Toy’ by Netta Barzilai. However, the event has been mired in controversy due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which advocates for various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets what they describe as their three demands, has called for a boycott of the event.
In Malta, the boycott movement has gained traction, with local artists and political figures voicing their support. The Malta Union of Teachers even passed a resolution calling for a boycott of the event. The question on everyone’s lips is: Should Malta’s love for Eurovision outweigh our stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
The Local Debate
Opinions are divided among Maltese Eurovision fans. Some argue that art and politics should not mix, and that the contest should remain a celebration of music and culture. Others believe that by participating, we are tacitly endorsing Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians.
Local artist and Eurovision fan, Joe Cutajar, weighs in, “Eurovision is about unity and peace. But how can we talk about peace when there’s a conflict going on right under our noses? I think we should boycott, at least until there’s a resolution.”
Meanwhile, Malta’s Eurovision fan club, OGAE Malta, has taken a neutral stance, stating that they support the contest but not the politics behind it.
What Now?
As the contest kicks off in Tel Aviv, the debate in Malta rages on. Will we tune in, or will we stand in solidarity with the boycott movement? . But one thing’s for sure: this year’s Eurovision is about more than just the music. It’s about standing up for what we believe in, even if it means missing out on our favourite show.
So, as the clock strikes midnight in Valletta, and the first notes of ‘Toy’ ring out, we’ll be left wondering: Should we have been watching from our sofas, or should we have been making a stand?
