In February, Israel presented its Eurovision entry with 20-year-old Eden Golan. The song was then called “October rain”, which according to the Israeli public service company KAN is about the grief after the terrorist group Hamas’ attack on Israel in October last year.
The entry’s title and parts of the lyrics were considered by the EBU to be too political and Israel was forced to make several adjustments to avoid being disqualified.
Eurovision song contest 2024
Several votes have also been raised for Israel to be ported from Eurovision, which has been dismissed by the EBU, which is firm that the music competition should not be influenced by politics.
“Up to them”
Eden Golan has barely spoken out so far, but to Israeli KAN she answers how she feels about possible protests in Malmö regarding her participation:
– It is up to them. People are entitled to their opinion but I focus on my part, which is to put on the best performance, and to focus on the good vibes and the good people.
Expected to go to the final
Israel competes as number 14 in the starting order in tonight’s semi-final, which is broadcast live on SVT 1 and on SVT Play at 21:00. Ten of the seventeen contestants will go through to the final and according to the betting sites Eden Golan is believed to be one of them.
Before tonight’s semi-final, demonstrations are also expected to be held both for and against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision song contest.
Hear the Eurovision reporter about how Eden Golan’s rehearsals before the semis went in the clip above.
