Jean MartinIsraeli musician Eden Golan has qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest after a public poll.
Protests and Emotions in Malmö
In a night marked by both acclaim and dissent, Israel’s Eden Alene emerged victorious at the Eurovision semi-final held in Malmö, Sweden.
The 20-year-old singer’s win was met with a wave of conflicting emotions, amidst thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors gathering in the streets to express solidarity with Gaza.
Mixed Reception and Overwhelming Emotions
Alene’s journey to victory was fraught with challenges, as she faced a mixed reception during dress rehearsals, with a blend of cheers and boos echoing through the arena during the semi-final.
Despite the tumultuous atmosphere, Alene expressed gratitude and overwhelming emotions after her win, acknowledging the honor of representing Israel on the Eurovision stage.
“I’m so grateful for everyone who voted and took part in supporting us, and me,” Alene said, reflecting on the significance of her achievement amidst the backdrop of controversy.
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Qualifiers and Eliminations
Joining Israel in the final were acts from Latvia, Austria, The Netherlands, Norway, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia, and Armenia.
However, the night also saw six countries, including Malta, Albania, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, and San Marino, eliminated from the competition.
Controversy Amidst Gaza Conflict
Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been marred by controversy, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Smoke canisters in the colors of the Palestinian flag and chants of “Free Palestine” filled Malmö’s central square, underscoring the deep-seated tensions surrounding Israel’s involvement in the event.
Support and Resilience
Despite facing hostility and protests, Alene remained resolute in her participation, declaring that nothing would deter her from representing Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support for Alene, praising her resilience in the face of adversity.
“Eden, I want to wish you success,” Netanyahu said. “You’ve already succeeded by standing up to antisemitism and representing the State of Israel with great honor.”
Tensions and Security Measures
The protests, while largely peaceful, prompted heightened security measures, with armed police stationed outside the hotel where Alene was staying. Concerns for her safety led to restrictions, confining her to her room when not on stage.
