The second semi-final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest took place last night, with ten acts securing their spot in Saturday's grand final in Malmo. While the event is usually a celebration of music, there was some controversy over the participation of one particular nation this time around.
The European Broadcast Union's (EBU) decision to allow Israel to compete in this year's Eurovision has proven to be a massively unpopular one. Many people were calling for the country to be barred from the competition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with over 30,000 Palestinians said to have been killed since the response to the October 7th attacks began.
Such a move would not be without precedent. Both Russia and Belarus were banned from the competition after the invasion of Ukraine, with neither country having competed in the competition since 2021.
While many fans have chosen to boycott this year's Eurovision due to the presence of Israel, those who did attend last night's semi-final also made sure to make their feelings known.
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Journalist praised after tough question for Israel's Eurovision entrant
Israel's entry of Hurricane by Eden Golan may have been one of the ten songs to make it through during last night's semi-final, but it was certainly not the most popular entry of the evening among those inside the venue in Malmo.
The song was met with audible boos in the arena.
crowd reaction to israel. pic.twitter.com/4XWgFgjkpK
— jay🍉 | 🇳🇱🇱🇹🇪🇪 (@kaarijay) May 8, 2024
Some national broadcasters also took the opportunity to make their own feelings known.
The Belgian broadcaster of Eurovision shared this message prior to Israel's performance last night.
BREAKING: Belgian TV channel interrupts Eurovision to address Israel’s genocide:
“This is a union action. We condemn the human rights violations committed by Israel. Additionally, Israel is destroying press freedom. That is why we are pausing the broadcast for a moment.”
🇵🇸🔥 pic.twitter.com/9JRQlEEir4— sarah (@sahouraxo) May 9, 2024
This is a union action. We condemn the human rights violations committed by Israel. Additionally, Israel is destroying press freedom. That is why we are pausing the broadcast for a moment.
While Israel would eventually make it through to Saturday's grand final, that did not stop further scrutiny in the aftermath of the show.
During the customary post-semi press conference, a Polish journalist would question Eden Golan on her decision to participate in Eurovision despite threats of an attack in Malmo should Israel take part.
You can see the exchange below.
EVEN THAT REPORTER DESTROYED HER ASS OMFG BTCH WAS TOO STUNNED TO SPEAK 😭😭😭😭😭#Eurovision #Eurovision2024 pic.twitter.com/K0UcvRLQzS
— florin⸆⸉ (@esc_florin) May 9, 2024
A personal question. Have you ever thought that by being here, you bring risk and danger for other participants and the public?
In the background, Dutch performer Joost can apparently be heard responding with 'why not' when Eden Golan was told she did not have to answer the question.
The Israeli singer would eventually answer the question, saying:
I think we're all here for one reason only. The EBU is taking all the safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone.
I think it's safe for everyone.
Joost is one of a number of entrants in this year's Eurovision that have publicly questioned the decision to allow Israel to participate in the event.
Ireland's Bambie Thug attempted to take a stand against the violence in Gaza by displaying a message in Ogham across their face during their performance in Tuesday's first semi-final, only for the EBU to ban it.
With Saturday's grand final set to draw much larger viewing audience than last night's semi-final, it is likely that the condemnation surrounding Israel's presence at the Eurovision will only increase.
SEE ALSO: Ireland's Bambie Thug Says Eurovision Barred Their Pro-Palestine Ogham Message
