Finland’s Kaarija asks for removal of video with Israeli Eurovision act

By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

Finland’s 2023 Eurovision Song Contest act Kaarija has asked for a video of him and Israeli singer Eden Golan to be removed from social media.

Golan qualified on Thursday at Malmo Arena in Sweden for the final of the competition amid pro-Palestinian protests against Israel being included in the event.

In the clip, Kaarija – who came second in Liverpool last year with the absurd and catchy Cha Cha Cha – and Golan were seen dancing and laughing.

The video appears to have been taken down following Kaarija – who performed at the Eurovision semi-final – posting on Instagram on Thursday saying: “I happened to meet Israel’s Eurovision representative today, and a video was filmed of us.

“It was then posted on social media without my permission. Despite my requests for its removal, it has not been taken down.

“I would like to clarify and emphasise that the video is not a political statement or an endorsement of any kind.”

There has been numerous calls for artists to boycott 2024’s Eurovision amid Israel’s war with Hamas, which has already seen more the 34,000 Palestinians killed, according to the later proscribed terrorist organisation’s health ministry.

Finland’s current entry Windows95Man, the UK’s Olly Alexander and Ireland’s Bambie Thug are among the artists who rejected pressure not to compete in a joint statement.

They also called for a ceasefire in the Gaza strip.

Israeli broadcaster Kan has been contacted for comment.