BRUSSELS (AP) — In an ornate Brussels concert hall, Palestinian songwriter Bashar Murad stood before hundreds and delivered a mournful performance of Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” in English and Arabic. When the final notes faded, the audience erupted.The performance Tuesday evening was part of a protest movement against this week’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with Israel’s participation sparking anger over its devastating military campaign in Gaza and elsewhere.Five nations, including Spain and Ireland, are boycotting the kitschy extravaganza as performers from 35 countries compete in Europe’s annual pop music competition, which marks its 70th anniversary this year. Ten countries including Israel and favorite Finland won places Tuesday in Saturday’s final of the contest, whose motto is “United by Music.”
Alternative concerts are taking place across Europe this week, including the “United for Palestine” event in Brussels, where European musicians performed alongside Murad and other Palestinian artists.“It’s always amazing to be in the same room with people who believe in the same things as you and people who believe that we can’t just let the show go on,” said Murad, who came close to being Iceland’s competitor in 2024.
