The Israeli delegation to Eurovision claims it was subjected to an “unprecedented display of hatred” by rival countries and participants in this year’s contest.
A spokesman for public broadcaster Kan claimed yesterday that the 2024 event was overshadowed by frazzled spirits and protests over Israel’s participation.
He went on to say that the Israelis at the event “maintained a dignified and respectful approach” before pointing out that they respected the rules “unlike other delegations.”
Eden Golan represented the country at the event in Malmö, Sweden, and was greeted with a mix of boos and cheers when she finished fifth.
Israel’s national security agency, the Shin Bet, even warned Golan not to leave his hotel room except for performances, after receiving death threats and amid fears of a terrorist attack.
After Saturday’s performance, Eurovision organizers said there were some delegations that did not “respect the spirit of the rules” but stopped short of naming names.
Eden Golan performing the song Hurricane during the second dress rehearsal on Wednesday.
Israel’s Golan takes the stage during the Eurovision opening ceremony
Bambie Thug finished in a respectable sixth place, while Switzerland’s Nemo took victory.
Protesters hold a banner reading “Welcome to the genocide song contest” in Malmo.
Italy’s Angelina Mango (pictured May 11) is among the contestants who complained about the “tense” atmosphere backstage.
In a statement to bbcA Khan spokesperson said: “This year, the Israeli delegation faced immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred, particularly from other delegations and artists, publicly and collectively, solely for the simple fact that we are Israelis and that we were there”. .’
He added that the Israeli delegation was “striving to foster unity around music while respecting the rules of the contest.”
Ireland’s Bambie Thug and Italy’s Angelina Mango are among the contestants who complained about the “tense” atmosphere backstage.
Irish pro-Palestinian group Bambie have been left fuming over their “horrible” experience on the show after finishing behind Israel in the final.
This year’s show was perhaps the most controversial of all time, with some acts hiding messages of support for Palestine in their costumes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Dutch singer Joost Klein was also ordered to return home after being accused of intimidating behavior by a female member of the production team.
The Netherlands Song Festival said he had “repeatedly indicated” that he did not want to be filmed and that he “did not touch the camera.”
In a statement, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which manages Eurovision, addressed that some contestants filed complaints.
“We spoke with several delegations during the event about several topics that caught our attention,” the statement said.
The EBU governing bodies, together with the heads of delegations, will review the developments related to the CES in Malmö to move forward positively and ensure that everyone respects the values of the event.’
Golan shared a New York Times article on his Instagram page in which he defiantly says he “won’t let anything break me.”
Irish pro-Palestinian group Bambie Thug (above) launched into furious brawl
Dutch singer Joost Klein (pictured) has been sent home after being accused of intimidating behavior by a female member of the production team.
Italy’s Angelina Mango (pictured) is among the contestants who complained about the atmosphere
After the grand finale, Bambie, who publicly shared her pro-Palestinian views, accused Israel’s national broadcaster Kan of “inciting violence” against them during its coverage.
Meanwhile, the 27-nation European Union criticized organizers for their “inconsistency” in banning their flag from the concert hall during the final.
In an unusually harsh letter, EU Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas wrote to the Swiss-based European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the contest, saying its ban contributes to “discrediting a symbol that brings together all the Europeans”.
In a race already rife with controversy, the European Commission said it plans “a very lively discussion” with organizers over the ban.
Although the 27-nation EU did not compete as such, many of its member states did, and the star-studded blue flag is often seen as a unifier for all involved.
Schinas wrote that “such actions have overshadowed what should be a joyous occasion for people across Europe and the world to come together in celebration.”
The flag is displayed at countless events and in all EU countries, often flying alongside the national colors from small town halls to huge government buildings.
Schinas was especially bitter because the ban came just a month before EU-wide parliamentary elections, where the EU as an institution is the subject of fierce debate and often attacked by extremist parties.
“The inconsistency in the EBU’s stance has left me and many millions of viewers wondering what and for whom the Eurovision Song Contest represents,” the letter said.
Israeli singer Golan is seen preparing for Eurovision having her entourage boo her and shout “Free Palestine” before the final.
People take to the streets to protest against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
During the week-long contest, organizers were already concerned about protests related to the war in Gaza and Israel’s participation in the event, as well as the controversial disqualification of the Dutch participant for an incident that was never fully explained.
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with The Code, an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey towards adopting a genderless identity.
Golan, who was born in Israel but grew up in Russia, has faced death threats ahead of her performances at the Malmo Arena, while even her fellow contestants have been accused of intimidating her during a press conference.
Greek singer Marina Satti caused a stir after she was seen yawning dramatically and pretending to fall asleep while Golan was speaking, as the singer became a lightning rod for criticism.
Satti can be seen with his head resting on his hand, looking out at the crowd before closing his eyes and pretending to yawn.
He then puts his head in his arms and rests his head on the table in an apparent show of boredom as Golan continues talking.
Meanwhile, Bambie Thug, 31, from Ireland, revealed that they cried with their team after finding out Israel had qualified for the grand final.
One of the most talked about artists was Ireland, who accused Eurovision bosses of “not supporting them” amid a dispute with Israel over comments made about them by a broadcaster.
Bambie finished a respectable sixth place, while Swiss non-binary star Nemo took victory.
But at a press conference after the final, they were enraged by an incident with Israeli broadcaster Kan and the EBU’s response, exclaiming: ‘Fuck the EBU.’
Armed police officers stand in front of the hotel where the Dutch delegation was staying.
Eden Golan, representing Israel, takes the stage during rehearsals prior to the grand final.
Bambie, who describes herself as a “queer witch,” told reporters at the press center that Kan “incited violence against me two, three times,” and that her team had raised this with the EBU. but the organizer still No response.
They accused the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, of violating the rules and said they had been waiting to hear from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about what measures would be taken.
On Tuesday, a Kan commentator warned viewers that Bambie’s performance of her song, Doomsday Blue, would be “the scariest” of the night, involving “a lot of spells, black magic and dark clothing, satanic symbols.” and voodoo dolls. .
He went on to say that Bambie, who has been outspoken about his pro-Palestinian views, liked to “talk negatively about Israel,” before adding: “But we can talk about that later.” Prepare your curses.’
The EBU said in a statement about Kan’s comment: “We have spoken to KAN, the Israeli broadcaster, about this matter and reiterate the importance of all commentators respecting all artists participating in the competition and respecting the rules and regulations of the event.’