Felix Klein, the Anti-Semitism Commissioner for the German government, has strongly criticized the heckling that took place during the performance of Israeli singer Noam Bettan at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). Telling the “Rheinische Post”, Klein expressed his deep regret that the semi-final appearance was disrupted by whistling, jeering, and chants, which included pro-Palestinian slogans.
He appealed both to the participants and the audience, emphasizing that the primary focus of the ESC-and what has always defined the event-should be the music, showmanship, and entertainment. Furthermore, Klein called for widespread opposition against what he views as the unfair exploitation of this festive contest by individual political activists. He specifically rejected the notion that the Israeli participant could be linked to the state actions of Israel.
The unrest occurred during Bettan’s performance on Tuesday evening at the first ESC semi-final, where shouts and whistling were reportedly heard in the Vienna City Hall.
