Gene Simmons urges Eurovision organisers to back Israeli entrant
Gene Simmons believes Israeli stars should be allowed to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Gene Simmons has urged Eurovision organisers to allow Israel to compete in 2024.
The 74-year-old singer has joined the likes of Sharon Osbourne and Boy George in signing an open letter that calls on organisers of the event to allow Israel to compete at Eurovision, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
The letter - which has been published by the Creative Community for Peace, a non-profit organisation - reads: "We have been shocked and disappointed to see some members of the entertainment community calling for Israel to be banished from the Contest for responding to the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Under the cover of thousands of rockets fired indiscriminately into civilian populations, Hamas murdered and kidnapped innocent men, women, and children."
In a separate section, Gene has stressed the importance of allowing Israel to compete at Eurovision.
The KISS star wrote: "Music unites people from all backgrounds. It’s the one language that everyone can understand. It’s a beautiful thing and a great way to bring people together. Those advocating to exclude an Israeli singer from Eurovision don’t move the needle towards peace, but only further divide the world."
The letter has also been signed by the likes of Debra Messing, Scooter Braun, Diane Warren and Selma Blair.
On the other hand, more than 100 music artists - including the likes of Robyn and First Aid Kit - recently called for Israel to be banned from Eurovision amid the ongoing war.
Their letter read: "The fact that countries that place themselves above humanitarian law are welcomed to participate in international cultural events trivialises violations of international law and makes the suffering of the victims invisible.
"Allowing Israel’s participation undermines not only the spirit of the competition but the entire public service mission. It also sends the signal that governments can commit war crimes without consequences."
