Eden Golan’s try was greeted by boos at the Malmö Arena
If there is something that is being talked about during Eurovision week more than the songs that compete It is from the controversial presence of Israel in the contest while the state is in full war against the Palestinians of Gaza. Something that has put people on a warpath, both the public and participants.
Beyond the “protest” movement (more or less silent) by a good part of the regular spectators who have decided not to watch the contest, considering the EBU’s position regarding the issue, the setting and the Malmö Arena stands have become a real pain for the festival organizers.
And the protests vowels and signs of support for Palestine and rejection of Israel These days have been happening in Malmö. We saw the last example yesterday, when during the dress rehearsal boos and shouts of “Free Palestine” began to be heard during the performance of Eden Golan (and her song Hurricane), the representative of Israel.
United by music, but not so much
The organization realized it and when the second chorus came the audience seemed silenced. Not only at the level of television production (there were also absences in this regard in the summaries) https://twitter.com/TheBalkanGuy/status/1788307544651268228 They told how the security people were alert eye warning that they should keep quiet or, if not, they would be kicked out of the stands.
“Eden was on stage during rehearsal with pride and gave an incredible performance”says the Israeli network KAN in a statement, «They will not silence her and they will not silence us. See you tomorrow.” Israel, let us remember, had to change the song due to alleged allusions to the attacks last October that led to the military campaign in Gaza in the previous one.
The truth is that these signs of protest on the part of the public join those that some of the artists who have taken the stage are already exercising (or trying to do). There we have the case of Eric Saadewho represented Sweden in 2011, who served as the “opening act” in the first semifinal, taking the stage with a Palestinian kefia tied around his wrist.
The singer, of Palestinian origin, had already been quite vocal days before:
«The handling of Eurovision by the EBU is shameful. They do not allow any Palestinian symbols inside the stadium, while symbols representing any other ethnic group in the world are welcome. Their slogan ‘United by music’ (if you are not Palestinian) is already a joke. They broadcast Israeli propaganda in prime time to the world, but focus on the Palestinian flag? It is more crucial than ever for me to be present on that stage. “They can eliminate our symbols, but not my presence.”
A small gesture poorly received by the executive producer of the contest Ebba Adielson. “We think it is sad that he uses his participation in this way”, he declared to the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. He is not, in fact, the only artist who has questioned Eurovision’s “be apolitical” policy.
The representative of Ireland, Bambie Thug, He had to change the writings in Ogamic alphabet that he wore on his face by order of the EBU. Although during rehearsals you could see the messages “Ceasefire” and “Free Palestine”these disappeared in the singer’s performance in the first semifinal, held this Tuesday.
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