Babler criticizes JJS Israel statements: Don't be silent for the civilian population!

Babler criticizes JJS Israel statements: Don't be silent for the civilian population!

Wien, Österreich - Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) critically commented on the Israeli-critical statements of this year's Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) winner JJ during a press conference in the Tyrolean Erl. JJS described JJS as "too general, undifferentiated and not skillful" and emphasized that it was important to vote for the Palestinian civilian population elevate. He called for “loud political voices from culture” because they are still necessary to counter those who are silent. According to the brare, the voices that speak against violence and for peace are increasing, but the violent political reactions to JJ's statements disappointed.

JJ, who gave numerous interviews after his victory, apologized for it if he was "misunderstood". Nevertheless, in his statement, he criticized the Israeli government sharply and convicted violence worldwide. Both national and international outrage provoked his controversial statements in which he spoke out against Israel's next song contest and compared the country with Russia. When asked in an interview, JJ decided not to go into the topic and explained that it was nice to use his platform for awareness.

reactions and discussions

BABER also vaguely commented on the possible venues of the next song contest. Vienna, Innsbruck and Graz have positioned themselves as candidates, and he referred to an objective selection process. However, the discussions about the positioning of Israel in international events are not only absorbed in the music scene, but also in the art world.

A current online petition of activists calls for Israel's exclusion from the Biennale in Venice, which has been taking place since 1895 and is considered the oldest exhibition of contemporary art. The initiative, which indicates the atrocities against Palestinians in the Gaza strip, accuses Israel of genocide. Italy's Minister of Culture Sangiuliano condemned the petition as unacceptable and shameful and pointed out that it threatens the freedom of thinking and creativity.

Israel, on the other hand, rejected the allegations of a genocide and justified his attacks on the Gaza strip as a self-defense after the Hamas attack on October 7th. The ongoing tensions and controversial discussions about art and culture in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue to lead to controversy in the media.

The debates about JJ and the Biennale impressively show how cultural platforms are increasingly drawn into political discussions and that the voices of artists and politics are unmistakably interwoven.

For more information, read the articles on vienna.at , Weekend.at and Deutschlandfunk .