Key Points
- Demonstrators have gathered in Sweden to protest against Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
- Israel’s entrant Eden Golan has secured a spot in the grand final, despite large-scale protests.
- Golan said she is proud to represent her country, and that nothing will deter her.
Golan was booed during a rehearsal of her song Hurricane, while a Palestinian flag was removed from an audience member during the semi-final performance.
Eden Golan of Israel performs the song Hurricane during the second semi-final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden. Source: AAP / Martin Meissner
Despite the protests, Golan qualified on Thursday alongside nine others for Saturday’s grand show which will feature performances from 26 countries.
“I can’t have fun knowing that Israel is there participating when all those kids are dying. I think it’s just wrong.”
Alongside signs that read: “Liberate Palestine”, banners that said “EUR legitimises genocide” and “colonialism cannot be washed in pink” could be seen in the crowd.
In a different neighbourhood, about 100 counter-protesters gathered under police protection to express their support for Israel.
Golan stands firm against protest
“It’s a super important moment for us, especially this year,” she told Reuters in an interview this week. “I feel honoured to have the opportunity to be the voice of my country.”
In a video message posted on social media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had wished Golan good luck and said she had “already won” after “successfully contending” what he described as an “ugly wave of antisemitism” in Sweden.
As a supporter of human rights, I strongly believe that Israel’s participation in Eurovision is unacceptable considering the ongoing conflict. The protests in Malmö are a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice.
As a supporter of human rights, it’s disheartening to see Israel’s participation in Eurovision amidst the ongoing conflicts. I stand with the protesters in Malmö demanding justice and accountability.