Israel Eurovision

Israel's Dramatic Journey at Eurovision: Controversy, Protests, and a Strong Finish

Find out how Israel's Eurovision entry faced boycotts, protests, and threats but still managed to secure a remarkable 5th place in the competition. Plus, the surprising reactions from UK's Olly Alexander and the European Broadcasting Union.

Israel's Eurovision journey was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride filled with drama, protest, and unexpected triumph. Despite facing boycott calls, protests, and threats over her inclusion, Israel's Eden Golan defied the odds and clinched a respectable 5th place in the tumultuous Eurovision Song Contest. The competition, hosted in Malmo, Sweden, saw Switzerland's Nemo emerge as the winner, receiving the majority of points from the jury panels. While Golan's performance faced backlash, her success in the audience voting propelled her to a remarkable position.

However, Israel's journey at Eurovision was not without controversy. The European Broadcasting Union initially rejected their entry as too political but later relented under pressure. The strong support from Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, played a pivotal role in securing their participation. Despite facing criticism and protests, Eden Golan's qualification for the final highlighted the significance of Israel's presence in Eurovision, a sentiment echoed by many.

As thousands protested against Israel's participation in the final, the competition was marked by tensions and divisions. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Malmo, Sweden, called for Israel's exclusion citing their conduct in the conflict with Gaza. Despite the controversies, Switzerland emerged victorious with Nemo's performance of 'The Code' winning the 68th song contest. The event was overshadowed by protests over Israel's involvement and the disqualification of the Dutch entrant, adding further drama to the already contentious competition.