Israel, Hamas, and Eurovision: families of former hostages address JJ
Following the singer’s controversial statement
The relatives of two Israelis who spent more than 600 days in Hamas captivity have reached out to Austria’s Eurovision 2025 winner, singer JJ, urging him to clarify his controversial remarks regarding Israel’s participation in the contest.
The siblings of the former hostages sent a letter to the 24-year-old artist last week. Since they received no response, they reiterated their appeal in a video published on platform X.
«Don’t hide,» said Ilai David in the video. «We want to help you better understand the situation in the Middle East.» Gal Gilboa-Dal added: «Music should unite people, not divide them.»
JJ, who won Eurovision with the song «Wasted Love» in Basel, Switzerland, secured Austria the right to host the contest in 2026. In an interview with Spanish newspaper El País, he expressed disappointment that Russia was disqualified while Israel was not.
«Both are aggressor states,» he said, adding that he hopes for a Eurovision 2026 «without Israel.» His comments sparked significant backlash and outrage in Israel.
Photo: johannesjjpietsch
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