Criticism of Israel: JJ apologizes, van der Bellen defends the contest!

Criticism of Israel: JJ apologizes, van der Bellen defends the contest!

In a controversial debate, the Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch, better known as JJ, critically commented on Israel's closest song contest. In an interview with "El Pais", he expressed his disappointment on the decision, while Russia was excluded from the competition, and described both Israel and Russia as aggressors. These statements led to a broad public criticism and have re -ignored the discussion about anti -Semitism and Israel -related issues. The Kleine Zeitung reports that JJ could have been misunderstood later, and he emphasized that he criticized the Israeli government independently condemned by nationality.

Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen also commented on the statements of JJ. He emphasized the need to support Israel while criticism of the government should not be excluded. Van der Bellen referred to the responsibility of individuals and artists and made it clear that they should not be held responsible for the actions of a government. This is in line with the position of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which pointed out that the competition as a "universal event" should promote the exchange and diversity through music. The ORF also made it clear that JJ's statements correspond to its private opinion and are not connected to the transmitter.

political reactions and social concerns

The discussion about JJ's statements was taken up by various political representatives. Oskar Deutsch, President of the Israelite Culture Community, called the statements "disappointing, but above all dangerous". Political critics such as Alexander Pröll and Wolfgang Sobotka from the ÖVP and Dominik Nepp from the FPÖ critically commented on the attempt to equate Israel with Russia. The topic becomes even more politically explosive, as it has a direct connection with the current conflict between Israel and the Gaza strip, which was intensified after a massacre in October 2023. According to the Hamas authority, more than 50,000 people died in the Gaza Strip.

The allegations and reactions to JJ's comments show how deep anti -Semitic resentment are anchored in social discourses. As explained bpb.de, Israel is often seen as a central symbol of Jewish life, and hostility to Israel is often perceived as anti-Semitic. Israel -related anti -Semitism often manifests itself in the demonization of the country and its political decisions, which also has an impact on the social acceptance of anti -Semitic statements.