Israeli singer Eden Golan defied boycotts and anti-Semitic abuse to reach the final round of the Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday, but outsiders in Malmö, Sweden, are judging her. I learned that the thousands of pro-Hamas militants in the area are not alone. An unbearable presence.
background
Eurovision is an international music competition organized annually by the European Broadcasting Union since 1956. Despite its name, contestants come from across the narrow borders of the European Union. Australia, the UK, Georgia and Israel are also regular participants.
Although the contest has long prohibited “messages promoting organizations, institutions, political causes, or other companies, brands, products, or services,” politics and global conflicts still influence the contest.
For example, in 2016:
anger Regarding the Armenian performer’s display of the flag of the Republic of Artsakh, the Republic of Artsakh is an autonomous region within the border of Azerbaijan, and until the brutal occupation by Muslim Azerbaijani forces late last year, it was primarily inhabited by Armenian Christians.
in 2022banned Russians from entering the country “in view of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine.”
While other political debates have been sporadic, Israel’s involvement since 1973 seems to be a constant sore spot for various radical groups. Arab countries have refused to participate, citing the existence of a Jewish state, and various left-wing groups have called for a boycott. This year is no exception.
A gathering storm
Eden Golan, 20, entered the contest to represent Israel earlier this year. She wanted to sing a song titled “October Rain”. Speculating that her song was a vague commentary on the horrific Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, contest officials banned her from singing it, citing political neutrality rules.
report BBC.
The lyrics in the English version include “There’s no air left to breathe” and “They were all good kids in their own way.”
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN initially vowed not to change the lyrics. But Israeli President Isaac Herzog indicated he would be open to “necessary adjustments” to allow Golan to represent the country, and the broadcaster agreed.
“Mr. President, especially at this time when those who hate us are trying to dislodge and boycott the State of Israel from every step of the way, Israel proudly and loudly stands up for the Israeli flag,” Kang reportedly said. “I emphasized that we must uphold this,” he said. All world forums, especially this year. ”
Along with the updated song titled “Hurricane”, the European Broadcasting Union announced that “the official submission from Israeli member Can has been deemed eligible to compete in May’s Eurovision Song Contest”. “I did,” he admitted.
report Guardian.
Various extremists had apoplexy at the prospect of a Jewish singer appearing on stage.
Bénédict Linard, Minister of Culture of Belgium,
tweeted“Like Russia, which was banned from the competition and Eurovision after the invasion of Ukraine, Israel must be excluded until it ends its flagrant violations of international law, which have left thousands of people dead, including children. .”
Various music industry associations in countries such as
Iceland Finland called for a boycott of Eurovision and demanded a ban on Israeli performers.
Meanwhile, some pro-Israel celebrities expressed support for the country’s involvement.deadline
shown Oscar winner Helen Mirren was among those who signed an open letter demanding that Golan be allowed to compete.
“You are successfully fighting and confronting the ugly wave of anti-Semitism,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Artists participating in the contest representing nine European countries
issued a statement In March, he announced his intention not to boycott the contest. But they sought to appease protesters by calling for a ceasefire and condemning so-called Islamophobia.
Some performers, including Irish contestant Bumby Thug, have since flouted the contest’s rules and flaunted their pro-Palestinian colors. Greek entry Marina Satti instead chose to show her disdain by:
pretend to be snoring At a press conference, Golan answered questions.
Opposition parties are not just operating in the shadows.
During rehearsals on Tuesday, Sky News
shown The audience booed Golan and chanted “Free Palestine!” A member of the audience waving a Palestinian flag was removed from the auditorium.
Greta Thunberg, who is concerned about climate change, said, “It is outrageous that Israel is allowed to participate.”
Golan was unfazed by the bitter atmosphere in the stands and qualified for Saturday’s final along with nine others in Thursday’s second semi-final, much to the chagrin of the thousands of extremists who took to the streets of Malmö to protest against her. It smeared. In front of you.
Among those who desperately wanted Israel to be excluded from the Games was keffiyeh-wearing climate change activist Greta Thunberg, who said: “It is outrageous that Israel is allowed to participate.” ” he said.
Some pro-Hamas protesters
confiscated took control of a nearby train stop in an apparent attempt to prevent fans from attending the concert.
guardian
shown Additional protests and an alternative concert, dubbed the “Genocide-Free Song Contest,” are planned for Saturday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraged Mr. Golan, saying: “You are not only competing proudly and impressively at Eurovision, but you are also successfully confronting the ugly wave of anti-Semitism and winning the honor of Israel. I am standing up to that on behalf of the.”
threat to extremism
Golan attended a press conference on Thursday night after qualifying for the final. A reporter for Polish radio station Newsletter asked Golan a “personal question”. “Have you ever considered that by being here you are posing a risk or danger to other participants or to the public?”
Goran has to travel to Sweden
small army of guards She seemed stunned by the apparent insinuation that her Jewish nationality put her at risk because of the danger posed by pro-Hamas protesters.
Swedish host Jovan Radomir told Golan, who remained calm and smiling, that he didn’t need to answer.
sky news
report Dutch competitor Joost Klein reportedly shouted, “Why don’t you do it?”
“I think there’s only one reason we’re all here, and the EBU is taking every safety measure to make this a safe and cohesive place for everyone,” Golan said. I think it’s safe for everyone. If it’s not, I don’t think we are.” Here. ”
Golan’s response was met with applause. Meanwhile, Klein missed his spot at Friday’s rehearsal and appears to be under investigation.
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