Israel heads to Eurovision final, despite protests
Israeli singer Eden Golan has qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest after a public vote.
Her victory came hours after thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors gathered in the streets of Malmö, Sweden, where the contest is being held, to show their support for Gaza.
A night before, the 20-year-old singer had been booed during dress rehearsals. There was a mixture of cheering and booing again during Thursday's semi-final.
Speaking after the show, she said she was "overwhelmed with emotions".
"It is truly such an honour to be here on stage, representing [Israel] with pride," she said.
"I’m so grateful for everyone who voted and took part in supporting us, and me."
Who qualified from the second semi-final?
The 10 acts who succeeded in Thursday's public vote were:
- Latvia
- Austria
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Israel
- Greece
- Estonia
- Switzerland
- Georgia
- Armenia
Which means the six countries eliminated were Malta, Albania, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark and San Marino.
Israel's participation in Eurovision has been a source of controversy amid rising civilian deaths and a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its seventh month.
Smoke canisters in the colours of the Palestinian flag were set off in Malmö’s central square on Thursday afternoon, along with chants of "Free Palestine".
A smaller demonstration in support of Israel also took place.
Although the protests were largely peaceful, there are armed police outside the hotel where Golan is staying, and she has been confined to her room when she is not on stage.
After receiving a hostile reception at dress rehearsals, the singer said "nothing will deter" her from taking part in the contest.
And ahead of the semi-final, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent Golan a message of support via social media.
"Eden, I want to wish you success," he said in Hebrew.
"You know what? You've already succeeded - because you are not only competing in Eurovision in a proud and very impressive way, you are successfully facing an ugly wave of antisemitism - and you are standing up to it and representing the State of Israel with great honour.
"So what a blessing, and know that when people yell 'boo' at you, we shout 'hooray'".
-bbc
