Despite not belonging to Europe, Israel has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1973
The Israeli broadcaster that broadcasts the Eurovision Song Contest, KAN, is asking the country’s representative to “readapt the lyrics, while preserving artistic freedom” (via BBC). The request came shortly after Israel declared that it would withdraw from the contest if they were censored.
The singer Eden Golan was selected as Israel’s representative for the 2024 edition of Eurovision. She is expected to participate with the song “October Rain”, whose lyrics were reportedly leaked in February. The 20-year-old’s verses would mention the Hamas victims of the October 7 attack, including one that says: “They were all good children, every one of them.”
The president of the country, Isaac Herzogspoke out on the matter shortly before the lyric change was considered: “I think it’s important for Israel to appear on the Eurovision, and this is also a statement, because there are many haters who want to take us off every stage”,
“Being smart isn’t just about being right,” he added. Herzogthen went on to say that some “necessary adjustments” should be made to “October Rain”.
Boycott
The contest has been boycotted after allowing Israel to participate. More than a thousand Swedish artists, such as Robyn, FeverRay It is First Aid Kitsigned a letter asking that the country be excluded from the competition because of the war with Palestine.
“The fact that countries that place themselves above humanitarian law are welcome to participate in international cultural events trivializes violations of international law and makes the suffering of victims invisible”, says an excerpt from the letter.
On the other hand, personalities like Sharon Osbourne, Gene Simmons It is Boy George signed a letter that goes in the opposite direction and asks that Israel be welcomed into the Eurovision.
“We were shocked and disappointed to see some members of the entertainment community calling for Israel to be banned from the competition for responding to the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Under the guise of thousands of rockets fired indiscriminately at civilian populations, Hamas murdered and kidnapped men , innocent women and children”, reads a letter published by Creative Community for Peace.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
