Eurovision Song Contest
Her performance was stirring, powerful and precise, despite the boos by pro-Palestinians.
Eric Khaled Saade appeared onstage at the Malmö Arena with the Palestinian symbol tied to his left hand.
Shin Bet head Ronen Bar reportedly visited Malmö ahead of time to approve security plans.
Jerusalem upgraded the travel warning for the Swedish city from level 2 (potential threat) to level 3 (moderate threat).
“We can’t run away from reality, sadly, but we can focus on the good,” says Israeli Eurovision contestant Eden Golan.
Controversy has also surrounded Britain’s entry, Olly Alexander, for signing a petition critical of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
The European Broadcasting Union informed Israel last week that Eden Golan would be able to compete with “Hurricane,” after threatening to disqualify two earlier entries over perceived political messaging.
The European Broadcasting Union’s decision cleared the last hurdle for the Jewish state to participate in May’s musical extravaganza.
The Kan public broadcaster said it approached the writers of the two songs, “October Rain” and “Dance Forever,” and asked them to modify the lyrics.
Although organizers try to keep the competition apolitical, it cannot help but be affected by global events.
While the European Broadcasting Union has reaffirmed that Israel will be allowed to participate, a dispute is brewing over the political content of Israel’s entry.
The European Broadcasting Union rejected comparisons made by pro-Palestinian activists with Russia’s exclusion from the competition.
