Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest that made a video to make Muslim guests feel welcome but ignored the risk of anti-Semitism are in a fresh row after refusing extra protection for Israel's team despite growing threats.
The contest is due to take place in the Swiss city of Basel, a border city in northwestern Switzerland, from 13th May 2025.
Swiss authorities confirmed there will be no special measures for the Israeli delegation, even though they are aware of illegal protest plans and expect demonstrators from France and Germany.
Yuval Raphael poses in undated photo. She will reportedly travel to Basel with her own security team. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@yuvalraphael/Newsflash/NX)
Basel police officials said the Eurovision groups are not protected under international law, and all participants will be treated equally unless the situation demands urgent action.
Dominik Cassani, co-head of security for the event, said: "There will be no special protection for the Israeli delegation."
He added that the police reserve the right to act if conditions change, but would not disclose what those measures would be.
Matthias Stahli, the other co-leader from Basel-Stadt Police, confirmed they are aware of radical groups but attempts to communicate have failed.
He said: "We know the key figures behind the planned actions, but our efforts have so far not led to cooperation."
Authorities urged protesters to register demonstrations officially, citing Switzerland's commitment to freedom of speech and assembly.
The Israeli team will reportedly bring their own private security detail, as they did in 2024 in Sweden, where singer Eden Golan was placed under intense protection.
In Basel, concerns are higher due to the proximity to Germany and France, where protest groups have mobilised online.
Swiss Jewish leaders said the stance risks wider dangers for the city’s Jewish community, not just ESC participants.
Jonathan Kreutner of the Swiss Federation of Israelite Communities (SIG) said: "The safety threat goes beyond the event and affects Jews in Basel and elsewhere."
He said SIG had been in early discussions with police and appreciated being consulted.
SRF, the national broadcaster organising Eurovision, said their team remains in close contact with police and is taking security seriously.
However, they declined to specify what additional safeguards might be in place.
Further controversy was sparked by reports that a 22-minute ESC training video shown to volunteers discussed discrimination against Muslims but failed to mention Jews.
The video was meant to raise awareness of racism, with one example showing a Muslim woman in a headscarf turned away from a nightclub while her friend was allowed in.
Swiss newspaper Blick criticised the omission, with commentator Hannes Boos writing: "Jews are omitted. It's hardly a coincidence."
Organisers insisted the video was part of a broader programme and said 130 staff had received anti-Semitism awareness training.
Boos replied: "Hopefully, the training will be longer than just a half-sentence."
Kreutner said: "Israel-critical groups have become radicalised in Switzerland. Foreign groups will likely use the Eurovision Song Contest to stir up sentiment."
Authorities have been further criticised for supporting a UN statement condemning Israel's actions in Gaza, days before the ESC controversy erupted.
Online, pro-Palestinian activists have called for an "escalation" at the Eurovision final on 17th May.
A recent SIG report recorded 221 anti-Semitic incidents in 2024 so far – a 43 per cent surge from the previous year.
These included verbal abuse, online hate, and several physical attacks.
Israel's entrant this year is singer Yuval Raphael.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)