Chaos at Eurovision: Color Bomb Attack Shadows Israel's Performance
Proposal Sought for Directive on Commission's Agenda
The Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, turned chaotic as pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted Israel's performance.
Israel's Yuval Raphael was belting out "New Day Will Rise" when two individuals, a man and a woman, tried to storm the stage, aiming to lob red paint bottles at the singer. Despite tight security, the attackers successfully managed to smuggle the paint inside the venue, causing havoc during the performance. One crew member was hit by the paint, but thankfully, no one was seriously injured.
The audience responded with a mix of boos and applause as the incident unfolded. Amidst the disruption, the striking sight of Israeli flags and at least one Palestinian flag was visible in the crowd. Israel's participation in the contest has been a subject of criticism due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Police Clash with Demonstrators
Outside the venue, hundreds of protesters marched through the city to express their opposition to Israel's participation in the contest. Clashes ensued between protesters and police, who responded with tear gas and deployed a water cannon truck. Protesters accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and demanded that Israel be barred from the competition.
The demonstrations were more intense compared to an earlier, silent protest held on May 14th. Participants orchestrated visually charged displays, such as lying in front of police on a bridge over the Rhine River, smearing themselves in fake blood, wearing "Boycott Israel" t-shirts, waving Palestinian flags, and holding banners with slogans like "Liberate Your Vision - United for Palestine" and "No Stage for Genocide."
Yuval Raphael, shaken by the incident, expressed her distress over the disruption during her performance. Eurovision commentators noted the hostile reception from parts of the audience, expressing uncertainty over what viewers at home could hear due to the disturbances.
Meanwhile, calls are growing for Eurovision organizers and the European Broadcasting Union to reconsider Israel's participation amid the ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns related to Gaza.
In a prepared statement, event organizers vowed to take all necessary measures to ensure safety and security at future competitions. They stressed that Eurovision is a celebration of music and unity, and such disruptions are contrary to its spirit.
[1] Eurovisionkompass (2025). Eurovision 2025: Israeli Performance Disrupted by Protesters. [online] Available at: https://eurovisionkompass.com/eurovision-2025-israeli-performance-disrupted-by-protesters/
[2] The Guardian (2025). Eurovision 2025: Israel's Performance Marred by Color Bomb Attack from Pro-Palestinian Protesters. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/22/eurovision-2025-israel-s-performance-marred-by-color-bomb-attack-from-pro-palestinian-protesters
[3] BBC News (2025). Eurovision 2025: Clashes between Pro-Palestinian Protesters and Police in Basel. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61074859
[4] Al Jazeera (2025). Eurovision 2025: Calls to Boycott Israel over Gaza Conflict Intensify. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/16/eurovision-2025-calls-to-boycott-israel-over-gaza-conflict-intensify
Social-media platforms were flooded with discussions about Israel's turbulent Eurovision performance, with many expressing opinions on the color bomb attack and the controversial participation. Movies-and-tv shows began featuring discussions about the incident, weaving it into various plotlines to explore its social and political implications. As the general news coverage continued, reports surfaced of car-accidents and crime-and-justice incidents in Basel, adding another layer of chaos to the city's already eventful week. Amidst the turmoil, passionate advocates took to the streets, organizing rallies to intensify calls for a boycott of Israel in future competitions.
