Austria: Activists, artists in Vienna call for protests against Israel’s Eurovision participation.

SHOTLIST: VIENNA, AUSTRIA (MAY 12, 2026) 1. HAIM BRESHEETH, ANTI-ZIONIST JEWISH ACTIVIST, FILMMAKER, AND ACADEMIC, ADDRESSING JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE (English) 2. DALIA SARIG-FELLNER, ACTIVIST FROM THE JEWISH ANTI-ZIONIST INITIATIVE, ADDRESSING JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE (German) 3. PATRICK BONGOLA (TOPOKE), AUSTRIAN ARTIST WITH DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ORIGIN, ADDRESSING JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE (English) VIENNA, AUSTRIA - MAY 12, 2026: Activists and artists in Vienna called for protests against Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest ahead of the competition in the Austrian capital. Speakers included anti-Zionist Jewish activist and academic Haim Bresheeth, activist Dalia Sarig-Fellner, Austrian artist Patrick Bongola, activist Rafael Eisler, and Nakba witness Dr. Sami Ayad. Participants shared details about an alternative event titled “Song Protest” planned for May 15, as well as a protest march scheduled for May 16 in response to Israel’s participation in the contest. Bresheeth, reminding that Israel is attacking not only Gaza but all countries in the region, said it was unacceptable for a state accused of committing genocide to take the stage and perform in Vienna. He added that it was shameful for Vienna and its elites, who should be leading opposition to genocide, to side with it. Activist Dalia Sarig-Fellner said part of her family had fled to Palestine during the Nazi era while other relatives were killed, stressing that the principle of “Never again” should also apply to Gaza. As Eurovision 2026 opens in Vienna this week, the contest is once again facing political controversy over Israel’s participation, with protests, boycott calls and criticism from media workers spreading across Europe. The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is being held at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, with semi-finals scheduled for May 12 and 14, followed by the grand final on May 16. Austria is hosting the competition after singer JJ won the 2025 edition with Wasted Love. But beyond the music, debate over Israel’s inclusion has again become the defining issue surrounding the event.