Why is Israel allowed to enter the Eurovision song contest?

It doesn't make sense. If Israel's in Europe, then Britain's in the Middle East!

Why is Israel allowed to enter the Eurovision song contest?
It's a historical thing going back to the early days of The European Broadcasting Union. Israel were members and they've stayed in the competition since then. Come to think of it Russia isn't in Europe either!
Reply:They had a few minutes left over and they did not know what to do.





Being in Europe has NEVER been a necessary criteria to enter the competition.





It was named Eurovision because the first countries to participate in it were all in Europe.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_...
Reply:libanon is clearly not european too, though they can also join in the song contest. Israel has some bounds with europe, i guess that's why.


I don't think it's because they would threaten us with bombs etc.
Reply:Turkey and Lebanon are not in Europe so why single out Israel?





It doesn't really matter anyway as the competition is a total farce anyway.
Reply:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_in_t...





I hope this helps.
Reply:Well it's like England -UK


Russia-USSR!-much of this is outside Europe


Don't know why Israel or Turkey are in as they are not part of Europe
Reply:Your right that Isreal isn't in europe but they are a member of the European Broadcasters Association which is why they are allowed to enter.
Reply:Who cares? The last song was good and it certainly bet a lot of the other songs that made the finals
Reply:This stupid, political farce should have been scrapped years ago. Either bring back Katie Boyle and proper judging for those that enjoy it or lets get the hell out of it ourselves.
Reply:what about all the others who are not in Europe.
Reply:fine, you're in the Middle East then from now on.
Reply:lol, its all toadying politics. Only gaymen love the comp..
Reply:I COMPLETELY AGREE


WHY NOT LET AUSTRALIA IN AS YOU OBVIOUSLY DON'T HAVE TO BE IN EUROPE AT ALL.


EVEN IF IT IS CALLED EUROVISION
Reply:because they would only complain and make bomb threats or something...i dont mean that in a racist way by the way! but they probably would