Belgium: Alternative concert in Brussels protests Israel’s Eurovision participation.

SHOTLIST: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (MAY 13, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF CONCERT 2. CONCERT ORGANIZER, ELS HERTOGEN, DIRECTOR OF THE BRUSSELS-BASED NGO 11.11.11, SPEAKING TO REPORTER (English)BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MAY 12, 2026: An alternative concert titled “Unity for Palestine – No Stage for Genocide” was held in Brussels to protest Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday, May 12. The event took place on the same evening as the first semifinal of Eurovision and featured performances by Belgian and Palestinian artists. Performers highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza and expressed support for Palestinians through music, speeches and cultural performances. The concert opened with a traditional Palestinian Dabke dance performance, while participants frequently chanted slogans including “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel.” Artists also performed a special song prepared for the event titled “Voices Rise Up.” Palestinian artists Bashar Murad and Nai Barghouti were among the performers drawing attention during the concert. Els Hertogen, director of the Brussels-based NGO 11.11.11 and one of the organizers, said Eurovision could not be treated as a normal entertainment event while the war in Gaza continues. She called on the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel from the competition and criticized broadcasters supporting the event.