A Vienna Cafe Offers a Welcome for Israel Supporters as Tensions Brew at the Eurovision Song Contest
MQ Kantine added kosher food and Israeli flags as organizers reported four spectators removed for disruptive behavior.
- On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the MQ Kantine in Vienna opened as a designated 'Euro Cafe' for Israel supporters during the 70th Eurovision Song Contest week, serving falafel, kosher wine, and displaying Israeli flags.
- Five countries—Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain—withdrew from the 2026 contest after organizers allowed Israel to compete, citing the war in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
- Armed police patrol Vienna's streets as attendees pass through strict security with bag bans and scanners to enter the Wiener Stadthalle arena, where an upbeat atmosphere persists inside despite surrounding tensions.
- Pro-Palestinian activists plan an anti-Israel march before Saturday's grand final, while Israeli singer Noam Bettan faced scattered shouts and boos during his Tuesday semifinal performance.
- The contest's 'United by Music' slogan rings hollow this year as tensions over Israel divide a fan community previously known for friendliness, creating a Eurovision of two distinct halves.
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25 Articles
The Eurovision final takes place on Saturday in Vienna, Austria. Israel's participation in this 70th edition causes tensions and calls for boycotts persist. An opposition demonstration is planned, which could bring together up to 3,000 people.
Associated Press News
A Vienna cafe offers a welcome for Israel supporters as tensions brew at the Eurovision Song Contest
Vienna's coffeehouses have embraced the Eurovision Song Contest, but tensions over Israel’s participation have surfaced.
The Vienna café that refused to boycott Israel at Eurovision
After most Vienna venues refused to host Israel’s Eurovision delegation, a non-Jewish Austrian couple opened their café as an unofficial Israeli embassy, declaring it a public stand against rising antisemitism in Europe. The post WATCH: The Vienna café that refused to boycott Israel at Eurovision appeared first on World Israel News.
All participating countries of the ESC have a "Eurofan Café" in Vienna this year, Israel would have remained almost homeless. "MQ Kantine" jumped in, their visitors appreciate it.
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