Israel and Europe??

[Blewer]

Why is it that Israel are allowed to compete in the Eurovision song contest and now, apparently, the European Athletics Championships? Is Israel officially part of Europe now, and if so why aren't the Palastinians given the same right?

[mikewith]

Einstein is wrong, I think, to suggest that Israel compete in any sporting or cultural event because they are 'better' than their Asian/ Middle Eastern friends and neighbours. It is all political/ for the avoidance of embarrassment.

More bizarre is the recent decision to admit Kazakhstan to UEFA. A point could perhaps be made for Israel being geographically close to Europe, but this is a Central asian republic bordering China, fergoodnesssakes!!

[andyba]

Israel is allowed to compete in the eurovision as it's TV broadcaster pays to be part of the EBU - European Broadcasting Union. Countries that could also take part in the Eurovision if they wished would include Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya etc etc the list goes on. If Palastine had it's own broadcasting company and it paid its membership to the EBU - They would be allowed to participate if they wished to. As for the athletics - cannot help there. But dont forget Cyprus is only a mere few hundred miles from Israel and Palestine, Turkey is part Europe and part Asia, and Russia borders with such countries as China !!

[andyba]

We seem to be getting politcs mixed up with good old fashioned cash here !!! The Eurovision Song Contest is run by the EBU - European Broadcasting Union. It invites it's paid members to put forward a song for the contest. Israel is a paid member of the EBU as is Libya, Algeria, Jordan,Morocco, the list goes on. The EBU is not a political machine that decides who is and who is not in Europe. Lets also not forget that Israel lies only a few hundred miles from Cypus. Turkey is split between Europe and Asia and that Russia borders China but participates !!! Palestine Broadcasters if there are any ? are not members of the EBU therefore they can join in is the simple answer to your question.