A recent acronym emerged a couple of months following the onset of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Labeled WCNSF, it signifies “Child casualty without any family left”. This designation is unique to Gaza, as stated by medical experts including paediatricians. Ordinarily, it is unusual for doctors to treat a child who has lost their whole family. But, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary about the devastating conflict in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been eradicated and the number of children who have lost limbs surpasses that of any other place in the world. Nothing normal in many doctors coming back from a sea of ruins with accounts of children being intentionally shot at.
The Gaza Strip continues to be hell on earth. Essential medical supplies are not getting in those in need, and international watchdogs assert that atrocities are continuing. Authorities rejects these accusations, just as it refutes each claim it is charged with. Yet as young survivors are now freezing in improvised encampments, there is a little heartwarming news: nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from advancing its professed goal of “unity and cultural exchange.” Eurovision will continue to extend a prestigious stage for Israel, although several European countries have now boycotted in dissent. Because this, apparently, is what unity looks like.
Eurovision, of course excluded Russia from competing in 2022 due to the “serious conflict in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza is completely different.
Forget the fact that Israel was accused of unfair vote practices last year in what appears to have been an effort to inject politics into Eurovision. Forget the fact that a young child was reportedly killed in Gaza recently. Neglect the data that aggression from Israeli settlers and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Overlook the situation that international journalists are still denied unfettered access in Gaza. All of this, apparently, should be allowed to get in the way of Eurovision’s cherished spirit of unity.
Eurovision reaches its seventieth anniversary next year – roughly two times the projected longevity of a person in Gaza now. The event will proceed, but it will never be able to restore the camp joy it historically embodied. An institution that initially championed togetherness has now become a transparent instrument to provide a cultural veneer for conflict.
Elara is a passionate writer and photographer who shares insights on creativity and mindful living through engaging storytelling.
