The Rio Cinema is going against the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest,  its own charitable objects and Equality Legislation, due to its refusal to screen the Eurovision Final while Israel remains in the competition.

The Rio Cinema, based in Dalston, East London, recently decided to cancel the screening of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, blaming Israel’s participation in the competition.

UKLFI has written to the Secretary and all trustees of the Rio Cinema Dalston, pointing out that the Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event, organised by the European Broadcasting Union,  not a contest between governments or states.  The EBU is “committed to ensuring the Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event that continues to unite audiences worldwide through music.”

UKLFI wrote: “By cancelling the screening due to Israel’s participation, the Rio is going against the entire spirit and purpose of the Eurovision Song Contest and contravening the competition’s own governing body’s decision.”

UKLFI also pointed out that the Charitable Objects of the Rio include to “…To provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for the recreation and leisure time occupation of the residents of the area aforesaid without distinction of sex or political, religious or other opinions and with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants ”

Hackney/East London is an area with a rich and culturally diverse community, including many members of the Jewish faith. By showing support for Palestine and derision for Israel, the Rio is creating a hostile environment for Jewish inhabitants.  It breaches the express Charitable Object of not distinguishing between religious, political or other opinions.”

Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI commented: “The Rio Cinema is creating community division at this sensitive time when antisemitism is at an all-time high. To effectively single out and exclude one nation/race over others not only breaches its own Charitable objects, but also creates a discriminatory and non-inclusive environment at the cinema.”

UKFLI also pointed out that the Rio was in breach of section 29 of the Equality Act 2010.  The the rationale behind its decision to cancel the screening was based on discrimination against Israelis,  (most of whom are Jews) and created a  discriminatory environment in the cinema. Most Jewish and Israeli customers would not feel comfortable in an environment where the Rio had singled out Israel and were actively supporting Palestinian events, in particular given the horrific events carried against Israel by Hamas on 7 October 2023.

UKLFI has asked the Dalston Rio to reinstate the screening and apologise for any offence caused to members of the community.