Israel To Revise Lyrics Of Eurovision Submission Due To Alleged References To Hamas Attacks
Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, has proposed changes to the lyrics to its 2024 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) submission for violating the contest’s rules on political neutrality.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has reportedly called for “necessary adjustments” to ensure Israel’s participation in the event, which it has won four times.
The lyrics of Israel’s submission, “October Rain” , were called into question and barred from the contest just last week over its alleged political content. The contest’s regulations prohibit political themes.
The song chosen as Israel’s entry allegedly makes references to the victims of Hamas’ 7th October attacks on Israel, which prompted the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
It includes phrases such as “There’s no air left to breathe” and “They were all good children, each one of them” – The reference appears to be to individuals seeking refuge in shelters while Hamas gunmen carried out a series of killings and kidnappings at a music festival in Israel.
Initially, Kan had stated that it would refuse to alter or replace the song it had submitted.
However, on Sunday, the broadcaster performed a U-turn, stating that it has reconsidered the matter and accepted the position of President Isaac Herzog who believes that, especially at a time when Israel faces hostility and boycotts, it is crucial for the country to have its voice heard and its flag flown in every global forum, particularly at Eurovision this year.
Israel’s submission, to be performed by 20-year-old singer Eden Golan, is set to be finalised next Sunday.
In previous instances, the EBU has compelled national representatives to alter their lyrics.
In 2009, Georgia withdrew from the competition after its proposed entry, “We Don’t Wanna Put In,” was rejected due to its overt references to the Russian president.
Meanwhile, several individuals from different countries, including musicians, have called for Israel to be suspended from the competition, circulating petitions for the country’s expulsion.
Currently, the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza stands over 36,600, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, whereas the Israeli death toll is at 1,400, according to the Israeli government.
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