Eurovision organisers in Switzerland have been accused of enabling anti-Semitism in a training video that tells staff not to discriminate against Muslims but fails to mention Jews.

The contest, set to take place in Basel from 13th May, is already under scrutiny over fears of hostility towards Israel's entrant amid tensions over the war in Gaza.

Illustrative image of Basel, Switzerland, undated. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)

At last year's event in Sweden, Israeli singer Eden Golan required police escorts and aerial surveillance after travel warnings were issued by Israel.

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)

This year, reports say Swiss volunteers at the Eurovision venue were shown a 22-minute training video encouraging sensitivity toward "Muslim people," but omitting references to anti-Semitism.

One segment states: "People affected by racism can include black people and people of colour, but also Asian people, Muslim people."

It continues: "An example of racism – a Muslim woman with a headscarf is turned away from the club at the door, while her friend is passed through wearing a hat."

A leading editorial in Swiss newspaper Blick by journalist Hannes Boos slammed the omission.

He wrote: "The video training for volunteers, catering staff, and security personnel at the ESC lists five racially discriminated against groups – Jews are omitted.

"It's hardly a coincidence that antisemitism is only mentioned in a single sentence. Making distinctions that a left-wing audience might find controversial was probably too risky for those responsible."

ESC organisers reportedly claimed the video was only part of broader training, saying 130 staff had received specific anti-Semitism education.

Boos added: "Hopefully, the training will be longer than just a half-sentence."

Jewish leaders expressed outrage over the clip.

Jonathan Kreutner, secretary general of the Swiss Federation of Israelite Communities, said: "Israel-critical groups have become radicalised in Switzerland.

"Foreign groups will likely use the Eurovision Song Contest to stir up sentiment."

Israel’s contestant Yuval Raphael will be travelling with a full police and army security detail, according to Swiss media.

Swiss authorities were further accused of fuelling tensions after endorsing a UN statement last week which condemned Israel for attacks on Gaza aid convoys.

Online, Palestinian activists have called for an "escalation" at the Eurovision final on 17th May.

The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities and the Foundation Against Racism and Antisemitism recently reported a 43 per cent surge in antisemitic incidents in 2024, totalling 221 cases.

They warned antisemitism in Switzerland has reached an "unprecedented level," including abuse and physical assaults.

Eurovision organisers say they are taking the risk of protests seriously.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)