A recent initialism came to light several months into Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Known as WCNSF, it means “Child casualty without any family left”. This acronym is unique to Gaza, per insights from doctors like child health specialists. Ordinarily, it is unusual for doctors to treat a young patient who has lost their whole family. However, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary about the widespread destruction in Gaza, where complete genealogies have been eradicated and the number of young amputees is greater than that of any other place in the world. Nothing normal about many doctors arriving back from a sea of ruins with accounts of children being systematically aimed at.
The Gaza Strip continues to be a profound humanitarian disaster. Critical healthcare resources are being blocked those in need, and groups like Amnesty International have stated that violations are continuing. Authorities has denied these claims, just as it refutes each claim it is implicated in. Yet as traumatised orphans are now enduring frigid conditions in makeshift tent camps, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the international singing competition from continuing with its declared purpose of “unity and artistic sharing.” Organizers will continue to offer a welcoming platform for Israel, even though at least four European countries have now boycotted in dissent. Because this, apparently, is what unity looks like.
Historically, Eurovision banned Russia from taking part in 2022 because of the “serious conflict in Ukraine”. Yet the conflict in Gaza appears to be entirely distinct.
Disregard the reality that Israel was criticized for irregular participation methods last year in what appears to have been an bid to manipulate Eurovision. Ignore the report that a toddler was reportedly killed in Gaza recently. Neglect the data that attacks by settlers and coerced removal in the West Bank have surged. Disregard the condition that foreign reporters are still blocked from freely reporting in Gaza. All of this, it would seem, should be permitted to obstruct of Eurovision’s self-proclaimed spirit of unity.
Eurovision turns 70 next year – almost double the projected longevity of a person in Gaza now. The event will proceed, but it will find it impossible to reclaim the camp joy it historically embodied. A contest that initially championed peace has transformed into a transparent instrument to sanitize military aggression.
A passionate textile artist and community organizer who loves inspiring others through creative sewing projects.
