Helen Mirren, Liev Schreiber, and more back Israel's Eurovision participation

A coalition of 400 actors, musicians, and entertainment industry professionals, including Helen Mirren, Liev Schreiber, and Gene Simmons, has penned an open letter supporting the decision not to exclude Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest.

The letter, organized by the non-profit group Creative Community for Peace, backs the European Broadcasting Union's choice to keep Israel in the competition, despite calls from various performers and broadcasters to remove them.

According to the letter, punishing Israel would distort the idea of justice, as the country is combatting a terrorist group recognized by the EU. The group breached a ceasefire and caused a tragedy resulting in over 1,200 deaths. Israel did not seek this conflict nor provoke it.

Furthermore, the letter highlights that those advocating for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision are undermining the competition's core principles, turning it from a celebration of unity into a political tool.

Notable signatures include Scooter Braun, Boy George, Mayim Bialik, Julianna Margulies, Sharon Osbourne, and Deborah Messing.

The debate over Israel's participation has sparked controversy in Finland and Iceland.

In Finland, there were even calls for the national broadcaster to withdraw if Israel remained.

Some protesters referenced Russia's exclusion from the competition due to its invasion of Ukraine. However, the European Broadcasting Union stressed that Israel's situation is distinct from Russia's aggression.

This year's Eurovision will be held in Malmö in May, with Eden Golan representing Israel.