A strong gesture. In the midst of turmoil following Israel’s participation (or not) in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, the winner of the 2024 edition proposed symbolic action against this decision.
In a post posted on his social networks, Nemo decided to present his trophy gleaned last year, and to return it to the committee of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), located in Geneva.
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“Eurovision says it stands for unity, inclusion and dignity for all. These values made this competition important to me. But Israel’s continued participation, despite the UN’s independent International Commission of Inquiry concluding it was genocide, shows a clear conflict between these ideals and the decisions made by the EBU“, he explains.
He specifies that he is not talking about artists directly, but rather about a general situation which “doesn’t go deep“. “The contest was repeatedly used to soften the image of a state accused of serious wrongdoing, while the EBU insisted Eurovision was ‘non-political’“, continues the interpreter of “The Code”.
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With his trophy, the 26-year-old singer accompanied the package with a clear message to the committee: “Live what you claim (in French: Be consistent with what you say)”.
I wait for the moment when these words and actions align. Until then, this trophy is yours.
“If the values we celebrate on stage are not lived outside, then even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning. I wait for the moment when these words and actions align. Until then, this trophy is yours“, he concludes.
Eurovision is going through a complicated period. Five countries have already decided to abandon the 2026 edition which will take place in Vienna, due to Israel’s participation in the famous international competition. Last year, its participation created numerous debates until the announcement of the results, where Israel was ranked first nation in the public votes (including in Belgium).
