Israel competes in the finals of Eurovision despite protests

Amid great controversy, Israel will compete in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest being held in  Malmö, Sweden.

Singer Eden Golan qualified for the finals after a public vote, but to a background of thousands of pro-Palestine protestors who gathered in the streets to show their support for Gaza.

The 20-year-old had been booed during dress rehearsals and received a mixture of cheering and booing again during the semi-final.

The crowds in the central square let off smoke canisters in the colours of the Palestinian flag and chanted “Free Palestine”.

Her team say the determined performer has been confined to her hotel room after a series of threats against the Israeli delegation.

Ahead of the semi-final, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent Ms Golan a message of good luck and declared his admiration and full support for her participation, via social media.

Israel is free to compete in Eurovision as it is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Determined to take part

Eden Golan has said that “nothing will deter” her from taking part in the contest and performing her song: Hurricane.

She spoke of being overwhelmed with emotions and how much of an honour it will be to represent her country. “I’m so grateful for everyone who voted and took part in supporting us, and me.”

Reinforcements drafted in from neighbouring countries

Although the protests were largely peaceful, there are armed police outside the hotel where Golan is staying, and extra forces are being drafted in from neighbouring countries such as: Denmark and Norway.

Song changed for political reasons

Ms Golan was requested to change her original track, entitled: October Rain, after it caused a good deal of controversy, as it was believed to point to Hamas kidnapping and killing Israelis on 7 October last year.

The altered version is an adaptation of the original, but considered by the EBU to be more acceptable, as it is far less political.

Director General explains reasoning

The deputy director general of the EBU, Jean Philip De Tender, explained: “If you exclude Kan (Israeli public broadcaster) outside of these competition rules, that would have been a political decision which we cannot take because it considers itself as an apolitical organisation.”

Continuing he spoke of having complete understanding for the concerns and the deeply held views that many people have around the war in the Middle East and the profound suffering of everybody involved in it.

PM sends full support

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu sent Ms Golan a heartfelt message of support in Hebrew, in which he wished her every success; before saying:“You know what? You’ve already succeeded – because you are not only competing in Eurovision in a proud and very impressive way.”

He also spoke of how the way he saw it, the singer was successfully facing an ugly wave of antisemitism and standing up to it, adding: “You are representing the State of Israel with great honour.”

Appeal for greater protection for singer

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), which organises the country’s Eurovision entry, says it has complained to the EBU about the booing that Ms Golan was subjected to and have asked it to prevent any repeat of the incident.

Eurovision organisers are liaising with security and Swedish police to ensure the singer’s safety.