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[–] 76 points 1 year ago (18 children)

Why is israel, a country in the middle east, a part of Eurovision to begin with? Very telling.

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  • [–] 57 points 1 year ago (6 children)

    Because they are part of the European Broadcast Union (EBU), just like other non-European countries including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Georgia. That said, just like Russia, their membership should be suspended.

    I'm completely fine with non-European countries participating. Australia (the one with the kangaroos) isn't even an EBU member, but has been participating in the Eurovision for the last ten years and I think it's great to see the world grow closer like that.

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  • [–] 9 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Tunisia and Lebanon tried to participate in 1977 and 2005 respectively (the latter even selected Aline Lahoud as their representative), but their participations were ultimately thrown out the window once they found out that Israel was there.

    Morocco actually did participate in 1980, when Israel left after literally winning the second year in a row. Morocco never returned, even after recognizing Israel, and even in the later years when Israel was absent.

    Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and the Vatican City all can participate since they have broadcasters that are a part of the EBU, but they choose not to, mostly due to Israel participating, which half of these countries don't recognize. Also who would the Vatican even send to Eurovision, one of their Cardinals? Oh yeah, Kazakhstan, an EBU associate, even participated in Junior Eurovision, but never in the adult contest. They are in the running for a special invitation though, whether it actually happens is something only time will tell.

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  • [–] 30 points 1 year ago (5 children)

    It's a nonsense joke. Australia is also there. Just kill Eurovision and call it something else for fucks sake

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    CountriesOnEarthWithFreeSpeechAndAFunctioningDemocracyvision

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)
  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago (2 children)

    Now you mention them, interesting how Israel and Russia are matter of discussion and Azerbaijan isn't despite their invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    I think we're seeing the same reaction as when Russia invaded Georgia in 2008. Basically "oh no this is not okay. anyway...".

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago

    Sounds plausible, Russia's invasion of Georgia didn't seem like a big deal to me back then. Same as Russia's first invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Media failed me in each of those cases. I feel like i'm having less blind spots as i get older, but i'm obviously still not fully there yet.

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  • [–] 18 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    Australia, Armenia, and Morocco are all outside of Europe, and have completed too. Basically all European countries are eligible, plus those whose public broadcasters are part of the European Broadcasting Union.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Armenia being outside of Europe is still kinda debatable if you ask me.

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  • [–] 1 point 1 year ago

    I mean, it's in western Asia, next to Azerbaijan and Georgia. "Complicated definitions of Europe" are part of the point here, but it's pretty clearly not Europe in my mind, but given the Turkish border, it's not far from Europe like Australia is

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