Hatari band
Photo: RUV
Iceland’s Eurovision entry challenges Netanyahu to wrestling match
Icelandic BDSM techno band Hatari are inviting PM to a Glima, a Nordic folk wrestling match that emphasizes technique over strength; band previously expressed desire to boycott event in Israel
The Icelandic techno band Hatari was selected to represent their country in the 2019 Eurovision in Tel Aviv. Upon reaching the semifinals, the band, which describes themselves as “an anti-capitalist techno performance art group,” published a petition inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a Glima, a Nordic folk wrestling match.
Glima, the national sport of Iceland, is where the wrestlers try to catch their opponent by the pants and knock him down. It is an ancient sport that comes from the Vikings and it emphasizes technique, rather than physical strength.
HATARI
In a statement released to the media, the band invited Netanyahu to a friendly wrestling match on May 19, the day after the Eurovision Song Contest, at Magen David Square in Tel Aviv. According to the band, if their delegate triumphs, they will be allowed to establish "the first BDSM colony under the auspices of Hatari on the Mediterranean coast." If the prime minister wins, he will get a small archipelago in southern Iceland called Vestmannaeyjar.
In the past, members of the band have expressed a willingness to boycott the Eurovision in Israel due to alleged human rights abuse in Gaza, but they have since said that they will use the stage to deliver a message.
Following Netta Barzilai's victory at last year’s Eurovision song contest, more than 10,000 Icelandic residents signed an online petition asking their country not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel.
"In the wake of the violation of Palestinian human rights by Israel, it would be immoral for us to participate in a glittering competition like the Eurovision contest, in the shadow of the violence Israel is waging against its neighbors. In recent months, Israel has killed dozens of people who have protested the situation,” the petition stated.
