Eurovision’s organizers have ignited a firestorm of criticism with their latest flag policy for the 2025 Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland. In a move widely condemned by pro-Israel and Zionist communities, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that all flags permitted by Swiss law, including the Palestinian flag, can now be waved by spectators in the audience. This reversal comes after last year’s controversy, when Palestinian flags were banned and fans had Pride flags confiscated at the entrance in Sweden.
But while the audience is granted new freedoms, the rules for performers have become dramatically more restrictive. Artists are now strictly limited to displaying only their own country’s official flag at all official Eurovision spaces, including the stage, green room, opening ceremony, and Eurovision Village. Acts of support, such as the Ukrainian flags seen in 2022 or the Pride flags carried by Italy’s Marco Mengoni in 2023, are now explicitly banned for performers.
The EBU claims the new policy “strikes a balance” between freedom of expression and political neutrality, but critics see it as a capitulation to anti-Israel activism. “This is not neutrality, it’s hypocrisy,” said one pro-Israel advocate.
“Eurovision is letting the crowd become a platform for anti-Israel and political messages, while silencing the very artists who are supposed to represent their countries and values.”
The policy also threatens severe consequences for violations: audience members could be removed or have their flags confiscated, while artists face unspecified sanctions if they break the rules. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has already announced an official appeal, calling the ban on Pride flags “downright ridiculous” and warning that Eurovision is betraying its tradition of inclusivity and free expression.
For Jewish and pro-Israel fans, the message is clear: Eurovision is bending to political pressure, allowing anti-Israel symbols to dominate the arena while muzzling those who would stand up for Israel, for democracy, or for basic human rights. As the world tunes in to Basel for the semi-finals on May 13 and 15 and the grand final on May 17, many will be watching not just for the music but for the contest’s willingness to defend its own values.
“Anti-Israel activism”? They are protesting a genocide. This isn’t the 1930s, social media now exists. People will protest against genocide, even if their governments’ actively support it.