Israeli contestant advances to Eurovision final amid protests

Israeli contestant advances to Eurovision final amid protests

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Published May 10, 2024  •  Last updated 1 hour ago  •  2 minute read

Eden Golan representing Israel with the song
Eden Golan representing Israel with the song “Hurricane” performs on stage during the second semi-final of the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) at the Malmo Arena, in Malmo, Sweden, on May 9, 2024. Photo by Jessica Gow/TT News Agency/AFP /Getty Images

Israeli singer Eden Golan defied demonstrators and qualified for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

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The 20-year-old’s victory came after thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Malmo, Sweden, where the competition is being held.

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It’s been a rough ride for Golan, who was booed during dress rehearsals, and other contestants showed the singer disrespect during a press conference.

Greece’s Marina Satti pretended to fall asleep while Golan spoke to reporters, while Joost Klein of the Netherlands covered his head with a flag when a journalist asked her a question.

Her most recent performance garnered her a mix of cheers and boos, but her performance during Thursday’s semifinal got her through to the finals, thanks to the public vote.

After the show, Golan said she was “overwhelmed with emotions,” the Associated Press reported.

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“It is truly such an honour to be here on stage, representing (Israel) with pride,” she continued. “I’m so grateful for everyone who voted and took part in supporting us, and me.”

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Israel’s participation in Eurovision has sparked outrage as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on.

Protesters in Sweden, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, chanted “Free Palestine” and “Israel is a terror state,” the Associated Press reported, while banners accused Eurovision of being complicit in genocide and called for a boycott of the competition.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (C) attends a rally in Malmo, Sweden, in protest against Israel's participation in the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) on May 9, 2024.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (C) attends a rally in Malmo, Sweden, in protest against Israel’s participation in the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) on May 9, 2024. (Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency/AFPILSSON/GGetty Images)

A smaller demonstration in support of Israel also took place.

Law enforcement was stationed outside Golan’s hotel after the singer was forced to stay in her room while she wasn’t performing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent Golan a message of support in Hebrew on X, wishing her success.

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“You know what? You’ve already succeeded — because you are not only competing in Eurovision in a proud and very impressive way, you are successfully facing an ugly wave of anti-Semitism. And you are standing up to it and representing the State of Israel with great honour.”

Golan’s song was originally called “October Rain,” an apparent reference to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

It had to be changed due to Eurovision’s rules banning political content, and the ballad was changed to “Hurricane.”

Another rally is planned for Saturday, hours before the live final.

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