VIENNA, May 16, 2026 (WAFA) – An alternative concert was held on Friday evening in the Austrian capital Vienna in protest against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, under the slogan: “Song Protest – No Stage for Genocide.”

The event took place at Maria Theresa Square in central Vienna with the participation of a large number of international artists and activists aiming to highlight opposition to Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision and express solidarity with Palestine.

The concert featured artistic performances focusing on what participants described as genocide, occupation, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Attendees chanted slogans including “Freedom for Palestine” and “Boycott Israel.”

Among the participants were Palestinian artist Ahmed Eid, Austrian-Brazilian singer Celia Mara, the Italian band Banda Popolare dell’Emilia Rossa, and the Austrian music group Left Overs.

Activists, journalists, and artists delivered speeches expressing solidarity with Palestinians and criticizing the European Broadcasting Union for allowing Israel to participate in Eurovision despite the ongoing war in Gaza.

Organizers said culture and art “should not be used as propaganda tools to normalize genocide, but as a voice for resistance.”

Participants also called on people to join a pro-Palestine demonstration scheduled for Saturday near the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna, which is hosting Eurovision events.

M.N