Israeli singer Eden Golan has controversially managed to secure a spot in Thursday’s Eurovision Song Contest final, according to ABC News.
Amid protests and opposition, Golan advanced to the finals of the competition. A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Sweden on Thursday to voice their opposition to the inclusion of Israeli contestants in the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest. The rally was held in Malmö, the host city of this year’s tournament, following Sweden’s victory in the 2023 tournament. according to Go to ABC News. Demonstrators flooded the streets, waving Palestinian flags and calling for a boycott of Israel.
NEW: Israeli singer Eden Golan advances to Eurovision final as thousands of protesters gather in Sweden against participation in the contest.
Golan is one of 26 artists who made it to Saturday’s final, with the top 10 in the spotlight. https://t.co/tvrb54zhAz
— ABC News (@ABC) May 9, 2024
As the day progressed, counter-demonstrations broke out, with Israeli supporters holding flags in solidarity with their country’s participation in the event. According to the newspaper, Golan defied the odds and secured one of the 10 spots in Saturday’s final thanks to a combination of fan and jury votes. (Related: ‘F*cking Die B*tch’: Jewish family harassed by pro-Palestinian supporters at shopping mall)
Golan was booed during Wednesday’s dress rehearsal, but his actual performance on Thursday’s show drew applause. according to To the BBC. There were no obvious signs of protest during her performance. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed support for Golan on Twitter.
We are very proud of Eden Golan, who is representing our country at the Olympics. @Eurovision.
She is not only an extraordinary performer, but also a symbol of strength and resilience.
We ❤️ You Eden and our entire nation are rooting for you.
Vote for Hurricane 🌀
(Comment on article 🔗) pic.twitter.com/NwKYgfZbnL
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 8, 2024
According to ABC News, the European Broadcasting Union, the organizer of the contest, also condemned the harassment and attacks against Golan on social media last month.
