Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo Mettler announces they are returning their trophy, protesting Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026.
A week after the historic conference held by the EBU in Switzerland – approving Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 – the controversy continues to escalate. Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo Mettler posted a statement on Instagram today (Thursday), declaring that they will return the trophy awarded for their victory.
“I’ve decided to send the trophy back”
“Last year I won Eurovision, and with it came the trophy, […] Although I’m immensely grateful for the community around this competition and everything this experience has taught me – both as a person and an artist – today I no longer feel that this trophy belongs on my shelf.
Eurovision claims to stand for unity, inclusion, and respect for everyone. These values are what made the contest meaningful for us. Yet Israel’s participation – while, according to the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, it commits what has been named as genocide – shows a clear contradiction between those ideals and the EBU’s decisions. This isn’t about specific people or artists. The contest has repeatedly served as a platform for a state accused of serious crimes, while the EBU persistently insists Eurovision is ‘not political.’ And when nations withdraw over this contradiction, it should be clear something is wrong.
“Therefore, I’ve decided to send my trophy back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva – with gratitude and a clear message: live with what you’ve achieved. If the values we celebrate on stage aren’t upheld offstage, even the most beautiful songs lose their meaning. We’re waiting for the day when words and actions align. Until then, this trophy is yours. Nemo”.
הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם
Past Hints from Nemo
This isn’t the first time a former Eurovision winner has voiced criticism toward Israel. Following Nemo’s victory, rumors circulated that they had considered withdrawing from the competition due to behind-the-scenes incidents involving the Israeli delegation. Nemo was reportedly alluding to an exchange between the Israeli and Irish delegations – particularly concerning Irish representative Bambie Thug – that led to a boycott of the flag parade rehearsal during the final dress rehearsal.
While Nemo has never explicitly spoken out against Israel, they were among the artists who wore the red pin from the organization Artists4Ceasefire during a Eurovision party, symbolizing a call for an immediate ceasefire. Nemo also helped craft a statement – framed as neutral – that referred to the Palestinian territories as occupied and expressed solidarity with the oppressed, demanding a permanent ceasefire and the return of hostages.
A Wave of Withdrawals Over Israel’s Participation
Last week, the EBU held its general assembly to discuss Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, amid international pressure and calls for a vote on the matter. Ultimately, it was decided that Israel would take part in the upcoming competition, despite appeals to reconsider. In response, five countries announced their withdrawal in protest: Iceland, Spain, Ireland, The Netherlands, and Slovenia.
Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green released an open message to fans worldwide, addressing the growing tension and acknowledging feelings of anger, concern, and disappointment. “No one can remain indifferent to what’s happening in the Middle East”, he wrote, referencing the heated discussions surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision. Green recognized that fans would like the EBU to take a clearer public stance on sensitive geopolitical issues like those in the Middle East.
However, he emphasized:
“In a divided world, Eurovision has a unique right to be a space where millions can celebrate what unites them — a stage where music is central, welcoming everyone, wherever they are, regardless of their views about the world around them”.
He urged fans to set disagreements aside and focus on connection, insisting that the contest can remain a unifying space only by strictly adhering to its established rules. He concluded with a firm commitment that any broadcaster failing to uphold those rules will face consequences.
Israel at Eurovision 2025
“New Day Will Rise” is the song performed by Yuval Raphael, who was chosen to represent Israel after winning the 11th season of “HaKokhav HaBa”. Israel advanced to the final after winning the second semi-final with 203 points and finished second overall with 357 points in the grand final. Israel ranked first in the public vote but only 14th with the jury. This marks the third consecutive year that Israel has reached the top five – an unprecedented achievement.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Israel’s 48th participation in Eurovision. Israel joined the contest in 1973 and has won four times. Its most recent victory was at Eurovision 2018 with the song “Toy”, performed by singer Netta Barzilai.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
