• MetalMachine@feddit.nl
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    76
    ·
    21 hours ago

    Why is israel, a country in the middle east, a part of Eurovision to begin with? Very telling.

    • excral@feddit.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      48
      ·
      19 hours ago

      Because they are part of the European Broadcast Union (EBU), just like other non-European countries including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Georgia. That said, just like Russia, their membership should be suspended.

      I’m completely fine with non-European countries participating. Australia (the one with the kangaroos) isn’t even an EBU member, but has been participating in the Eurovision for the last ten years and I think it’s great to see the world grow closer like that.

      • Resol van Lemmy@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        14 hours ago

        Tunisia and Lebanon tried to participate in 1977 and 2005 respectively (the latter even selected Aline Lahoud as their representative), but their participations were ultimately thrown out the window once they found out that Israel was there.

        Morocco actually did participate in 1980, when Israel left after literally winning the second year in a row. Morocco never returned, even after recognizing Israel, and even in the later years when Israel was absent.

        Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and the Vatican City all can participate since they have broadcasters that are a part of the EBU, but they choose not to, mostly due to Israel participating, which half of these countries don’t recognize. Also who would the Vatican even send to Eurovision, one of their Cardinals? Oh yeah, Kazakhstan, an EBU associate, even participated in Junior Eurovision, but never in the adult contest. They are in the running for a special invitation though, whether it actually happens is something only time will tell.

    • nshibj@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      34
      ·
      21 hours ago

      It’s a nonsense joke. Australia is also there. Just kill Eurovision and call it something else for fucks sake

    • nfh@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      17
      ·
      21 hours ago

      Australia, Armenia, and Morocco are all outside of Europe, and have completed too. Basically all European countries are eligible, plus those whose public broadcasters are part of the European Broadcasting Union.

        • nfh@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          14 hours ago

          I mean, it’s in western Asia, next to Azerbaijan and Georgia. “Complicated definitions of Europe” are part of the point here, but it’s pretty clearly not Europe in my mind, but given the Turkish border, it’s not far from Europe like Australia is