Eurovision is supposed to be a celebration. Those lucky enough to bag tickets to the live shows are usually seen on TV dancing around the arena, cheering and having a fabulous time.
But during the jury show at this year’s song contest in Sweden, the atmosphere was anything but jubilant. Instead, the scenes inside the Malmö Arena were tense, and it’s not hard to guess why.
Clips shared online show how the usual cheers and applause were replaced by hostility, all of it directed at Eden Golan, Israel’s entry in this year’s competition. As she launched into her performance for the night, footage shows Golan being drowned out by booing and chants of “Free Palestine” from the audience. According to one attendee in the crowd, who shared their experience online, the “atmosphere inside the arena was horrible”.
I wouldn’t be so sure. At least for Italy, whose votes were leaked, 40% of the votes were for Israel.
The runner up were The Netherlands, who got 7% of the votes. They are also disqualified now for “threats” against a member of the program. Coincidentally, also the only singer that publicly criticized Israël. Take that as you want.