Israel goes through to Eurovision final despite protests

Israel has made it through to the Eurovision final after thousands of people in Malmo, Sweden, protested against singer Eden Golan’s participation in the song contest.

At least 10,000 people, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, took part in the rally, which called for a ceasefire in Gaza and to protest Israel’s inclusion in the event.

Golan, 20, whose emotional Hurricane was reworked from a previous track called October Rain, which was thought to reference the Hamas attacks on Israel, performed at the second semi-finals on Thursday evening in Malmo Arena.

Also making the final were Switzerland’s Nemo, whose operatic-pop song The Code is seen as one of the favourites to win on Saturday, along with Netherlands act Joost Klein, with his irreverent and silly Europapa, and Norway’s Gate with the folkish Ulveham.

Latvia’s Dons, Austria’s Kaleen, Greece’s Marina Satti, Estonia’s 5Miinust x Puuluup, Georgia’s Nutsa Buzaladze and Armenia’s Ladaniva have also made the final.

During a press conference, Joost Klein told Golan to answer a question on whether she is comprising the safety of other contestants.

A journalist asked: “Have you ever thought that by being here you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?

Golan was told she did not have to answer the question, but Klein chimed in saying: “Why not?”

She said: “I think we’re all here for one reason and one reason only and the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and and united place for everyone and so I think it’s safe for everyone and we wouldn’t be here (if not).”

The Israeli act also said she was “overwhelmed with emotions” and that she was “super excited to go on stage once more, and share that of my love with everyone”.

She insisted the Eurovision Song Contest remains “safe for everyone” amid protests against her participating.

The event’s organisers had said they will not “censor” the audience after Golan was booed during rehearsals on Wednesday and there were reportedly shouts of “free Palestine”.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), whose members approved Israeli broadcaster Kan, has taken a strong stance, as in previous years, against political messages at Eurovision and flags and symbols from non-competing countries.

Despite the position, Tuesday’s first semi-final saw former Swedish contestant and opening act Eric Saade wear a keffiyeh pattern material on his arm.

Pro-Palestinian groups plan to march again on Saturday, to coincide with the Eurovision final.

With agencies