Israel’s ESC contribution with disputed title – threatens to withdraw – news Culture and entertainment

“October Rain” is the title of this year’s Israeli entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. The Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post writes that the song is about the terrorist attack on 7 October, which has already caused debate on social media worldwide. Although neither the text nor the song has been made public, the contribution creates a great debate and strong reactions. If the contribution is approved by the EBU, “October Rain” will be performed by the young artist Eden Golan during the competition in Malmö in May. ARTIST: Eden Goran is scheduled to participate for Israel in Malmö in May. But there are several reefs in the sea. Photo: Eurovision Song Contest at X But reports say that the organizer EBU is considering whether to ban the entry from the contest. That’s what Eurovoix News writes. Several websites specializing in MGP news write that the organizer EBU is considering whether to ban the entry from the competition. The Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet goes even further, quoting anonymous sources who say that the song will be disqualified. The Israeli broadcaster KAN states at the same time that they will withdraw if the contribution is not accepted, or that they are forced to make changes. Eden Goran won a talent competition and thus became the artist who is scheduled to represent Israel. Photo: EBU – No intention to replace the song The broadcaster has made the following statement on their website: – As far as the Israel Broadcasting Corporation is concerned, there is no intention to replace the song. This means that if it is not approved by the European Broadcasting Union – Israel will not be able to participate in the competition which will be held in Sweden in May. WINNER: Israel is one of the strongest countries in Eurovision with four wins, most recently Netta in 2018. But this year many people want them not to participate. Many countries and artists worldwide have been critical of participating in this year’s competition, if Israel is to be included. Among them is Iceland, which may end up sending a Palestinian artist. The Norwegian winner Gåte was also in the thinking box, but has decided to participate even though Israel will start. PROTESTS: Israel’s participation in Eurovision arouses strong reactions internationally. Photo: Fredrik Persson / Reuters Think it was done deliberately The choice of song can be a good way for Israel to stay at home, without losing face, thinks commentator in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Ronan Tal. – I think Israel, or those responsible for choosing the contribution, have chosen it on purpose because they know they can be disqualified by the EBU. Then they can stay at home, and say that we have become victims of anti-Semitism again, he says to news. At the same time, he points out that there have been several entries with political texts in Eurovision over the years, even though the competition is supposed to be non-political. – Eurovision has always been political. Some of the political songs that have entered the competition have even won. Like Ukraine in 2016, he says. Should be non-political The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s largest music competition, and in addition to all the glitz and glamour, has the goal of being non-political. But there are many examples of the opposite. Russia has been banned from the competition following their invasion and warfare in Ukraine. And it was Ukraine that won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016 with a song about the situation on the Crimean peninsula. In Israel’s case this year, the EBU has said that it is broadcasters who participate in Eurovision, not governments. But now it may be that the EBU turns the matter around. Read the latest news about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict here, CHILDREN: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict also affects children. And the international community is very critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The situation also characterizes this year’s Eurovision. Photo: AFP/AP



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