An anti‑Eurovision party will take place in Nicosia on the night of the final of this year’s European song contest, as a protest against Israel’s participation.
The event will be held on Saturday 16 May, from 19.00 to 23.00, at the Home for Cooperation, and is organised by Queer Collective Cyprus, BDS Cyprus, United for Palestine Nicosia, NEDA Cyprus and Anatropi.
According to the organisers, the 'Anti‑Eurovision Party' will include an open mic for public participation, as well as a DJ set from 20.30 to 23.00. Entry will be based on an open‑contribution system, with proceeds intended to cover event costs and financially support United by Pride, a bicommunal pride march initiative.
The organisers say the Anti‑Eurovision initiative began in 2023, when reactions emerged in several European countries over Israel’s participation in Eurovision amid the war in Gaza. As they explain, they chose to organise an alternative event instead of watching the contest.
Their position
In their statement, the organisers directly link the event to a political stance against Israel’s participation, accusing the European Broadcasting Union of "selective enforcement of rules." They argue that Russia was excluded after its invasion of Ukraine, while Israel continues to be allowed to compete.
They also refer to “pinkwashing,” claiming that Israel uses its record on LGBTI+ rights to improve its international image. They say they view queer liberation as inseparable from broader social and political struggles, and call for a boycott of this year’s Eurovision.
Reactions at Eurovision
The atmosphere surrounding this year’s Eurovision remains tense, with protests and reactions recorded both inside and outside the contest. During yesterday’s first semi‑final, the Israeli entry’s performance was accompanied by booing and pro‑Palestinian chants.
According to a joint statement by the European Broadcasting Union and Austrian public broadcaster ORF, a spectator seated near a microphone was heard in the live broadcast shouting slogans calling for an end to the war in Gaza shortly before the Israeli artist Noam Bettan took the stage with the song 'Michelle.' Voices opposing Israel were also audible during at least the first minute of the performance.
Proteste, Stop The Genocide und Free Palestine Rufe während des Auftritts des Israelischen Vertreters bei der #Eurovision in Wien gestern.
— Rashad Alhindi (@RashadAlhindi) May 13, 2026
Ohne die #Staatsräson wäre Israel längst aus allen europäischen Wettbewerben - genau wie Russland - ausgeschlossen. pic.twitter.com/LpPVNYRYb8
Organisers said the chants were picked up due to the 'clean feed' transmission process from audience microphones before and during performances. According to the statement, the individual was removed by security at the Wiener Stadthalle, while three additional people were removed for disruptive behaviour.
In their joint statement, the EBU and ORF confirmed that “a spectator near a microphone loudly expressed their dissatisfaction when the Israeli artist began performing and during the performance,” adding that the incident was heard during the live broadcast.
🇮🇱A protester against Israel was arrested inside the arena during Israel performance pic.twitter.com/m8f7bCvdGT
— Eurovision News (@EurovisionNewZ) May 12, 2026
Demonstrations and boycotts
This year’s Eurovision is taking place amid intense political tension and protests over Israel’s participation.
In Vienna, demonstrations and mobilisations in support of Palestine are being held throughout the week of the contest, with groups accusing Eurovision of acting as a tool for Israel’s “image‑washing.”
🚨 Joint statement from EBU and ORF on the audience disruption during Israel’s performance #Eurovision @EuroTripPodcast pic.twitter.com/98cwMTCGwb
— Callum Rowe (@TheCallumRowe) May 12, 2026
Such protests are not new for the competition. In 2024, demonstrations were held outside the Malmö Arena in Sweden, while in 2025 protests were also recorded outside the St. Jakobshalle in Switzerland.
At the same time, five countries have announced a boycott of this year’s contest, intensifying debate over the limits of the political neutrality claimed by Eurovision.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather in Vienna to call for a boycott of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest ahead of the competition. pic.twitter.com/XFKOuBNZwB
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) May 12, 2026
Protest outside CyBC
Yesterday afternoon, a protest was held outside the offices of CyBC, with participants and groups expressing opposition to Israel’s participation in this year’s Eurovision.
Protesters chanted slogans in support of Palestine and called on the public broadcaster to take a clearer stance against the position of the European Broadcasting Union.
During the protest, banners were displayed and texts were read calling for a political boycott of the contest, while police presence remained discreet.
CyBC did not issue a public statement at the time of the protest. However, speaking to Politis, the organisation’s Director General Thanassis Tsokos said that “Eurovision is a musical and cultural competition, not a political arena.”
