Israeli solo artist Eden Golan faced a mix of reactions during her performance of “Hurricane” at the Eurovision Song Contest grand final in Malmo, Sweden. Videos showed Golan being booed and jeered, as well as cheered on by some fans. The boos and pro-Palestinian chants were not heard on the live broadcast. Tensions have risen following a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel, leading to protests during the event. Golan, visibly emotional after her performance, received support from Israeli author Hen Mazzig and Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot.
Prior to the contest, there was a campaign to bar Israel from the competition due to its military campaign in Gaza. Golan’s original song, “October Rain,” had controversial lyrics that referenced the conflict, leading Eurovision organizers to ask for a change to “Hurricane.” The new lyrics addressed a woman going through a personal crisis, but Golan continued to defend the song’s message. Despite protests against Israel’s participation in the contest, Golan’s odds of winning were slashed after the semifinal, making Israel a second favorite to win the grand finale.
In Malmo, thousands protested against Israel’s participation in Eurovision, with marchers waving Palestinian flags and shouting slogans against the contest’s official theme of unity through music. Police estimated between 6,000 and 8,000 people took part in the demonstration. In a smaller protest, pro-Israeli supporters defended Golan’s right to perform. While the protests did not seem to affect Golan’s chances in the competition, they highlighted the ongoing tensions and conflicts surrounding Israel’s participation in international events.
The controversy surrounding Golan’s performance at Eurovision reflects broader geopolitical issues, such as the conflict between Israel and Palestine. While Golan faced backlash from some audience members, she also received support from fans and celebrities. The protests and debates surrounding Israel’s involvement in the contest highlight the complex relationship between politics, art, and entertainment on the global stage. As the competition continues, the focus remains on the music and performances, as well as the impact of social and political issues on the event’s outcome. Through all the controversy, Golan remains committed to her music and her message, facing challenges with resilience and determination.
