Eden Golan, Israel's Eurovision representative who pays tribute to the hostages held by Hamas: "There is nothing that moves me more"

The conflict in Gaza, triggered by the violent attacks carried out by Islamist extremists in Israeli territory, has not halted Israel’s preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite the ongoing war and the rising pressure for Israel’s exclusion from the competition, Israeli public television has confirmed 20-year-old Eden Golan as the country’s representative. Golan emerged victorious from HaKokhav HaBa, a renowned contest that has produced many of Israel’s Eurovision representatives in recent years.

The song that Golan will perform in Malmö is yet to be determined. Artists are currently submitting their entries, and a selection will be made by March. This year, in a display of patriotism, the song must include at least some lyrics in Hebrew.

It is somewhat surprising that the selection process is proceeding as usual amidst the war and the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation. The offensive against Hamas in Gaza has put Tel Aviv in a difficult position, with a case even being brought before the International Court of Justice to investigate possible ongoing genocide. European countries have also been pressuring the European Broadcasting Union to suspend Israel from the competition. However, the EBU has reiterated that Israel will be allowed to participate, stating that Eurovision is an apolitical event.

“I was born in Israel, and I only feel at home here. There is nothing that excites me more than representing our country in Eurovision.”

Eden Golan, born in Tel Aviv but raised in Russia for 13 years with her family, decided to return to Israel in 2022. She expressed her excitement at the opportunity to represent her country at Eurovision, emphasizing her deep connection to Israel. Golan performed Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” in the final of the selection contest, dedicating it to those who long for their loved ones to return home, including Israeli hostages held by Hamas and other Islamist groups.

In spite of the controversy, Golan’s dream of participating in Eurovision threatens to become a nightmare. Several MEPs and musicians have called for Israel’s exclusion from the competition, adding to the mounting pressure on the EBU.