Over 10,000 Signatories Demand Israel’s Boycott from Eurovision – Leading Artists Deliver Petition to Yle

Photo: Hannu Häkkinen

On Monday, March 24, 2025, two petitions were handed over to Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle, demanding that Yle pressure the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest. If Israel participates, the signatories urge Yle to boycott the event by withdrawing Finland’s representative from the competition.

A petition from Finnish music and cultural industry professionals gathered over 500 signatures in less than two months, while a public petition garnered more than 10,000.

The cultural sector’s petition was delivered to Yle’s Editor-in-Chief of Creative Content and Media, Johanna Törn-Mangs, by actors Noora Dadu and Malla Malmivaara, musicians Nemat Battah, Paleface, Pehmoaino, Melo, Lxandra, and Miikka Koivisto, journalists Susani Mahadura and Ina Mikkola, DJ Daniel Shaya, and dancer Sonya Lindfors. The public petition on behalf of Sumud was handed over by Lili De Paola.

Israel has continued its attacks on Gaza, which began in October 2023. Reports indicate that Israel has killed nearly 50,000 and injured over 112,000 Palestinians, with actual casualty numbers likely even higher. According to a UN special committee, Israel’s military actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide. Israel has also illegally occupied Palestine for decades and engages in apartheid against Palestinians.

Petition deliverer, writer, and actress Noora Dadu stated:
“What should Yle do now? Exactly what it did with Russia in 2022: demand Israel’s exclusion or withdraw if the country is allowed to participate.”

The petition text states:
“It is against our values for a state that has committed genocide and practices occupation policies to be given a prominent opportunity to improve its image under the guise of music. At the same time, countries participating alongside Israel demonstrate acceptance of its actions.”

The petition was initiated by Sumud – the Finland Palestine Network.