Hours before the Eurovision final, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in the heart of Vienna to protest against Israel.
It was the largest protest so far over the past week, with demonstrators objecting to Israel’s participation in Eurovision and calling to stop what they described as the "genocide" in Gaza.
Pro-Palestinian protest in Vienna before the Eurovision final
(Video: Yuval Chen)
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Pro-Palestinian protest in Vienna, hours before the Eurovision final
(Photo: Yuval Chen)
Some of the protesters also waved Iranian and Lebanese flags and chanted "Free Palestine." Media interest was high, as was security around the large protest, which began as a march.
The demonstrations against Israel began Friday, when hundreds of protesters gathered in one of Vienna’s main squares to protest against Israel. The protest event was described as a "concert against genocide," with a slogan opposing Israel’s participation in Eurovision: "Song Protest — No Stage for Genocide." Musician Roger Waters, who has frequently expressed opposition to Israel and has been accused of antisemitism, became a kind of sponsor of the protest.
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Some protesters also waved socialist and communist flags; from the pro-Palestinian protest in Vienna
(Photo: Yuval Chen)
The protesters, who tried to raise funds for the concert, had expected a larger turnout, also given Nakba Day, but instead of many thousands of participants, only hundreds attended.
The Eurovision 2026 final will take place tonight at 10 p.m. Israel time and will be broadcast live on Kan 11. Israel’s representative, Noam Bettan, will perform third with the song "Michelle." At this point, Bettan is ranked fifth in the betting odds for the final.
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Noam Bettan during the jury rehearsal for the Eurovision 2026 final
(Photo: Yuval Chen)
Earlier today, at the start of Bettan’s performance in the final rehearsal before the final, loud boos were heard in the Vienna arena. "I heard the boos loudly — it pushed me to give even more," Bettan said after what was otherwise considered a successful performance.
After leaving the stage, Bettan spoke with Israeli star Gal Gadot, who, as is her custom, called Israel’s representative to wish him luck.
Gal Gadot speaking with Israel’s representative Noam Bettan before the Eurovision 2026 final
(Courtesy of Kan )
"I heard it was a bit tough," Gadot said. Bettan acknowledged that it was, saying: "Those were the loudest boos so far." Gadot replied: "How surreal, it’s unbelievable. You’re going to crush it, and all the haters there simply have no energy over you, no power over you."
Gadot continued: "You are amazing, you are talented and we are all behind you. We are waiting to see you and cheer you on. The more they boo you, the more we will cheer for you, always. You are there for all of us, enjoy it and ignore the background noise."
First published: 19:43, 05.16.26