ESC scandal: JJ under fire – anti-Semitism debate reaches climax!

ESC scandal: JJ under fire – anti-Semitism debate reaches climax!

On May 23, 2025, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) will make headlines again after Austrian singer JJ came under fire for his problematic statements about Israel's participation in the ESC 2026 in Austria. The worrying situation was discussed during a live broadcast on exxpressTV at 7:30 a.m. JJ apparently acknowledged a deadly terrorist attack on an Israeli couple with a like, which caused outrage among many. Experts are now calling for his trophy to be revoked because his statements are seen as incompatible with the values ​​of the ESC, which promotes tolerance and cultural diversity.

In recent times, the ESC has repeatedly experienced anti-fascist, anti-Semitic and violent reactions to the participation of individual countries. Recently, the 20-year-old singer Eden Golan, who represented Israel at the ESC final in Malmö, was under increased police protection. Their performance was accompanied by whistles, and the awarding of points to Israel was also not viewed favorably. The anti-Semitism commissioner Felix Klein criticized the reactions to Golan's participation as an “anti-Semitic pattern”. This issue is particularly explosive as more and more Jewish communities in many countries, including Switzerland, are experiencing increasing alienation. Israel is often no longer perceived as a refugee state, but rather as a supposed aggressor.

Social tensions and challenges

The growing social tensions in Europe are also important in the discussion about the ESC. While EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to permanently close the Nord Stream pipelines, the impact on German industry is seen as potentially devastating. At the same time, social spending and fraud in this area are increasing, with 72 percent of fraudsters being foreigners. These connections underscore a complex reality in which social principles are often weighted according to political expediency.

The ESC is presented as a celebration of cultural freedom and political solidarity, but critics question the consistency of these principles. Many voices warn that selective moral guidelines could turn the festival's claim into an empty production. The presidency of the Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism (GRA) under Zsolt Balkanyi-Guery makes it clear how important it is to take action against discrimination and hatred in all forms.

Conclusion and outlook

The debate about the ESC and Israel's role shows that the issue of anti-Semitism in society is not just a buzzword, but a real challenge. Even though the ESC stands for openness and diversity with its motto “United by Music”, it remains to be seen how developments in public perception and social tensions in Europe will continue to unfold. It is hoped that the critical voices will lead to a dialogue that both protects Jewish identity and promotes respectful coexistence.

For more information on this topic, you can check out the reporting from express, daily news and NZZ see.