In Malmo, Sweden, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched against Israel’s participation in Eurovision. The demonstrators, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, gathered in Stortorget square before marching through the city chanting slogans against Israel. Police estimated between 10,000 and 12,000 people participated in the rally. The protest was met with a large police presence, including a hovering helicopter and officers on rooftops.
A smaller pro-Israel protest also took place in the city. Despite calls to bar Israel from the competition, Eurovision organisers allowed Israeli singer Eden Golan to remain in the contest after changing the lyrics of her song. While some audience members booed during her performance, she secured enough votes to advance to the final competition. Critics compare this decision to previous instances of countries being removed from Eurovision for political reasons.