Eurovision 2024: Israel’s contestant booed on stage as boycott calls continue
By Noor El-Terk
9 May 2024 15:38 BST | Middle East Eye
▻https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/eurovision-israel-booed-controversy-palestine-eden-golan
The Eurovision Song Contest was mired in further controversy on Wednesday when the Israeli contestant’s dress rehearsal performance was met with boos and shouts of “Free Palestine” from the audience.
Eden Golan’s performance of "Hurricane’’ ahead of the second Eurovision semi-final on Thursday took place as Israel plans its incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah where almost 1.5m displaced Palestinians have fled to.
Israel also faces accusations of war crimes and genocide for its ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip, which has left more than 34,900 Palestinians dead, the vast majority civilians.
“Easily the most booing I’ve ever heard at #Eurovision but no major disruptions of Israel at the first show with a crowd,” journalist Ben Rothenberg posted on X, formerly Twitter.
One person who said they attended the show said several members of the audience left during Eden Golan’s performance, and returned for the following contestant. (...)