Felix Klein, the Federal Government Commissioner for Combating Antisemitism, has sharply criticized the disruptions during Israeli singer Noam Bettan’s appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Klein expressed his regret that the Israeli artist’s semi-final performance was interrupted by whistles, heckling, and chants, some carrying pro-Palestinian slogans.
He voiced his hope that the attendees, as well as the participating artists, would keep the focus squarely on the music, showmanship, and entertainment-the elements that have defined the ESC since its inception.
More broadly, Klein called for widespread opposition against what he termed the “unjust appropriation” of this joyful festival by individual political activists. He particularly stressed the need to reject the “inappropriate linking” of the Israeli participant to the official actions of the State of Israel.
The incidents Klein referenced occurred when Bettan performed at the Vienna Stadthalle on Tuesday evening during the first semi-final.