The owners of “MQ Kantine” discuss hosting Israel at their Cafe, fighting antisemitism, and supporting Noam Bettan’s “Michelle” at Eurofan Cafe.
With only a few weeks remaining until the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026, preparations in the host city of Vienna are in full swing. Last week, the “Eurofan Cafe” initiative – organized by the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, the media company Echo, and the Association of Viennese Coffee House Owners – was first reported.
Throughout the month of May, local cafes across Vienna will transform into meeting points for Eurovision fans from various participating nations. Although the original publication of the event included all 34 other participating countries except for Israel, the organizing company Echo announced a last-minute correction yesterday (Friday). The Israeli fan hub will be “MQ Kantine”, located in the city’s central Museumsquartier. Now we publish the contents of a special interview conducted with the Vienna café owners, in which they explained the background behind the decision and why they took the risk and agreed to represent Israel in their private business.
A Decision Against the Current
The café owners, Lisa and Johannes Wegenstein, spoke to the Israeli outlet about their decision to host Israel at their café. Lisa said:
“We have always been committed to fighting antisemitism, especially since October 7th, 2023”.
According to Lisa, the decision to take what she described as a “counter-current” step, one that could even put them at risk, did not begin with Eurovision:
“The human rights film festival we have been producing for years has also drawn criticism, precisely because we did not go along with the anti-Israeli line”.
In her remarks, Wegenstein describes the consequences of holding a view that differs somewhat from the European landscape, and the price people may have to pay when they follow their own truth. The Austrian couple’s decision is a courageous one, a choice that places them at financial risk and even in real danger to their lives, and yet, despite the threats, the couple chose to stand by their truth and not give in to pressure and intimidation. Lisa added in the interview:
“We are shocked by the rising antisemitism in Europe, in America and around the world. It is sad and it is angering”.
A Personal Connection to Israel and Jewish Heritage
Later in the interview, it became clear that beyond the couple’s loyalty to their personal values, the decision also carries another layer – a deeply personal one. Lisa revealed:
“I come from a Jewish family, most of whom were murdered in the Holocaust”.
Mrs. Wegenstein also revealed that she and her husband belong to the left wing in Europe and claimed that
“the rise in antisemitism within that camp is shaking us, […] it does not silence us”.
In addition to their connection to Judaism, the couple also maintains friendships with Israelis and Jews.
“We have many Israeli and Jewish friends. We love Israel”.
The Israeli Cafe and the Focus on Music
The Austrian couple appears to be consistent in its position and determined to align itself with the values of Eurovision. In a statement released by the cafe owners, they noted that the Eurovision Song Contest represents the values of peace, unity, and international understanding. They added:
“In this spirit, MQ Kantine will become a ‘Eurofan Cafe’ from May 3rd to May 16th for fans of the Israeli singer Noam Bettan, who is participating in the contest with his song ‘Michelle'”.
The owners invited the fan community to joyful encounters, relaxed days, and fun evenings at the restaurant. They further emphasized:
“Everyone is warmly welcome, and we want to stress that this is not about politics; during these days, everything revolves around music, culture, eating, drinking, dancing, and singing together”.
What to expect at the cafes?
Each participating cafe across the city has been assigned one or two countries to “represent”. The idea is for Eurovision fans from these nations to visit the cafe dedicated to their country and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Some of the cafes will offer special food and drinks from their respective countries for sale, while also hosting unique Eurovision events throughout the month of May. Additionally, the Eurovision 2026 mascot, Auri, is expected to visit the various cafes on certain days, giving fans the chance to take photos together.
The full list of cafes and the countries they represent:
- Café Diglas – Belgium, Montenegro
- Café Eiles – Estonia, Italy
- Café Français – Georgia
- Café Frauenhuber – Armenia, Greece
- Café Goldegg – Luxembourg, Portugal
- Café Hummel – Azerbaijan, Germany
- Café Landtmann – San Marino, United Kingdom
- Café Mozart – Cyprus, Sweden
- Café Museum – Croatia, Latvia
- Café Phil – Bulgaria
- Café Sluka – Norway
- Café Sperl – France, Lithuania
- Café Weimar – Malta, Poland
- Chattanooga – Ukraine
- Crossfields – Australia
- Gerstner – Austria, Denmark
- Kunze Coffee – Switzerland
- Most humble servant – Finland
- MQ Kantine – Israel
- Schopenhauer – Romania, Serbia
- Schwarzenberg – Albania, Czechia
Eurovision 2026: the 70th edition of the contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026. The Wiener Stadthalle arena, which will host the event, is expected to accommodate around 16,000 spectators per show. The contest returns to Austria following the nation’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love”, performed by JJ. It will be Austria’s third time hosting Eurovision, after previous editions held in the country in 1967 and 2015.
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Ido Na’aman is a journalist, content creator, and commentator specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. His extensive knowledge and in-depth familiarity with the Eurovision world are reflected in every article, ensuring reliable, professional, and up-to-date content.
