Israel faces growing international boycotts in arts and academia

In a report by David Rosenberg, the newspaper noted that the successive withdrawals of several European countries from the Eurovision Song Contest in protest of the killings in Gaza were considered “shocking” in occupied territories—especially given the common belief that “the war is over and it’s time to move on without taking a position on the military conduct.”

Haaretz emphasized that the war continues to have a strong presence abroad, particularly in cultural and media circles. For example, Ireland’s national radio and television organization cited heavy civilian casualties in Gaza, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and concerns about journalists being targeted during the genocide as reasons for withdrawing from Eurovision.

The newspaper also noted that cultural and academic sanctions are not limited to Eurovision. Over a thousand international writers and literary figures have pledged to boycott Israeli cultural institutions. In addition, international initiatives to ban Israeli music have begun, and prominent actors and filmmakers have joined campaigns to boycott the occupiers in cinema.

Haaretz added that Israeli universities and academic institutions continue to face European sanctions, both publicly and through “hidden boycotts,” such as the rejection of scientific publications or the withholding of invitations to participate in international conferences.

Finally, Haaretz warned that, despite the decline of some boycott campaigns following the ceasefire, Israel cannot rely on reversing the consequences of the war. The newspaper stressed that Israel’s image among leading cultural and academic circles remains negative, and opposition to the war in many cases has turned into opposition to the very existence of the occupier.

Haaretz concluded that the real danger lies in the weakening of the occupier’s soft power, as culture, art, and academia play a central role in improving Israel’s international image. Academic boycotts threaten innovation and scientific collaboration and could lead to a “brain drain.”