The impediments of Israel’s Eurovision 2024 participation seem to have been lifted

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Up until today, there was uncertainty about Israel‘s participation in this year’s Eurovision. It has been questioned if the country would be able to participate after the EBU rejected two songs because of the political context of their lyrics. But it appears that this problem has been resolved.

The report mentioned above has been published by Ynet, which has previously been the source of numerous leaks regarding Israel’s participation this year. More precisely, the EBU has approved the revised lyrics of the song that KAN, the country’s public broadcaster, submitted, meaning that the impediments have now been lifted, according to sources from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Hurricane”, the song that Eden Golan will perform in May, was written by  Stav Begar (who co-wrote and produced “Toy”, with which Netta win Eurovision 2018), Avi Ohion, and Keren Ples (who participated on the “The Star Next” judging panel).

The above information remains to be confirmed by the EBU.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2024 developments!

Source: Ynet

Israel: EBU takes into account new threats against KAN!

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The European Broadcasting Union, EBU, expresses its concerns regarding the new threats against the indepedance and the sustainability of the Israeli public broadcaster KAN!

One month ago, the Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi seems to have stated that “there is no place for public broadcasting in the State of Israel”.

Moreover, the Government threatened to withdraw the fundings towards the piblic broadcaster something that would lead to the shut down of the KAN and the news operation and to an important loss of jobs.

In addition, there are also plans of depriving KAN’s ability for commercial revenue, which would lead to 13% income reduction, and of transfering three of the most popular radio stations to commercial owners.

The current crisis has been escalated as the Minister of Communications through a letter towards the Director General of KAN questions their reporting of the government’s judicial reforms and the protests against them.

The Director General of EBU Noel Curran stated that:

“Impartial news and information are critical to the functioning of a healthy democracy. 

“We call on the Israeli government to safeguard the independence of our Member KAN and ensure it is allowed to operate in a sustainable way, with funding that is both stable, adequate, fair, and transparent.”

Source: EBU

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Israel: Eden Golan will sing “Hurricane” at Eurovision 2024!

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The selection committee of Israel Public Television (KAN) for Eurovision, chose to submit the song “Hurricane” for the contest. The song is based on the melody of ‘October Rain’ written by Keren Pels, Avi Ohion and Stav Begar.

The selection committee of the Israeli song for Eurovision 2024, met and chose to submit the song “Hurricane” to the EBU. The committee believes that the song will be approved and will normally compete in the second semi-final which will be held on May 9, in Malmö, Sweden. The song “Hurricane” is based on the melody of “October Rain”. Originally, the song’s lyrics alluded to the terrible carnage carried out by Hamas in Israel on October 7, but the EBU pulled the song due to the political nature of the lyrics. The new lyrics refer to a young woman coming out of a personal crisis.

The song was written by Stav Begar (from the writers and producers of “Toy”), Avi Ohion, and “The Next Star” judge – Keren Ples.

The news was revealed by Israel Hayom’s entertainment journalist – Eran Suissa, and comes after this morning KAN confirmed that it is taking all necessary steps to allow Israel to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

KAN contacted the creators of the two selected songs, “October Rain” which was selected in first place and the song “Dance Forever” which came in second place, and requested that the lyrics be adjusted, while maintaining full artistic freedom. The adjustments have already been made at the request of the company and the song was chosen from the new texts.

The above happened after the urging of the country’s president, Yitzhak Herzog, on public television, emphasizing the importance of Israel’s presence in this year’s Eurovision song contest.

On Sunday, March 10 at 20.30 cet, the song with which Eden Golan will participate in Eurovision 2024 will be revealed!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Euromix

Israel: The country will ultimately participate in Eurovision 2024 | On March 10 the reveal of the entry!

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Israel Public Television (KAN) continues its preparations on Israel’s entry into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The Israeli entry will be revealed on Sunday, March 10, at 21:30, with Eden Golan performing it for the first time.

A change of direction for KAN

In contrast to its earlier statements, Israel Radio and Television announced that it is taking all the required steps in order for Israel to compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) opted to reject the two songs that had placed first in the KAN internal selection on the grounds that the lyrics of the songs do not comply with the competition’s regulations and are of a political nature.

KAN followed the suggestions of Yitzhak Herzog, the country’s president, who spoke to the company’s board and requested that the song lyrics be changed to allow Israel to compete at the Eurovision Song Contest.

It is important for Israel to perform at Eurovision because it is a stage for hundreds of millions of viewers. Sometimes it’s better to be smart than right.

KAN officially announced the change in lyrics for the two songs via social media:

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation has been working for the past few weeks to take the necessary steps to allow Israel to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Despite its disagreement with the position of the EBU, which sought to exclude the two songs submitted by Israel to the Competition on the grounds that they were “political in nature”, KAN took the advice of the country’s president, Yitzhak Herzog, who turned to our board and asked for the necessary adjustments to be made, which will allow Israel to compete on the Eurovision stage.

The President of the country emphasized that at the very moment when our enemies seek to push for the boycott of Israel from every platform – Israel must raise its voice and hold its head high and raise its flag in every world forum, especially this year.

KAN contacted the creators of the two selected songs,“October Rain” which was selected in first place and the song “Dance Forever” which came in second place, and asked them to readjust the lyrics while maintaining full artistic freedom. Based on the new lyrics – KAN will select the song to be sent to the Eurovision supervisory committee to approve Israel’s participation in the Contest.

On Sunday March 10, at 21:30, KAN 11 will broadcast a special show in which the song sent to Eurovision will be revealed and performed by Eden Golan.

We remind you that “October Rain” was written by Stav Bager (from the creators and producers of “Toy”, Eurovision 2018), Avi Ohion, and Keren Pels, the judge of “The Next Star”. “Dance Forever” was written by Ron Beaton, Mai Safdia (“Unicorn”), and Yanon Yahal (“Golden Boy”, Unicorn).

The 37 participating countries of Eurovision 2024 must submit their entries to the EBU by March 11 in order for the competition’s reference group to approve them. This practically means that the EBU can reject the two songs again if it believes there is a political overtone in the lyrics, though based on recent developments, this does not appear likely. KAN states that all necessary measures will be taken to allow Israel to participate.

Germany supports Israel

In its Eurovision 2024 participation, Israel has a strong ally, Germany. Through the country’s Minister of Culture, Germany declares that they support Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024.

Minister of Culture, Claudia Roth, in an interview with Spiegel mentions:

Jewish artists can no longer perform because the boycott prevents them.

Banning Israel because “October Rain” would convey political content is absurd. I heard the song and think it is very good.

As a dedicated fan of Eurovision for decades we should remember that Dana International supported a free, cosmopolitan and diverse Israel. People who today talk about Hamas as a supposed liberation movement obviously have no idea. It would be a scandal if Israel is excluded.

Hence, March 10 is the release date of Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2024.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: euromix,spiegel

Israel’s Eurovision Dilemma: Second Song Rejected, Hopes Dwindle!

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According to sources at the Foreign Ministry, Israel’s alternative option for Eurovision has also been rejected by the European Broadcasting Union. This likely refers to “Dance Forever,” the second song that competed to represent Israel in Eurovision, as reported by Ynet, and was sent in advance for approval. Israel is still trying to find a solution, but those involved in the matter are not optimistic.

The second song sent to the European Broadcasting Union in advance is a collaboration involving Israeli representative Eden Golan, songwriter Ron Biton, musician Yanon Yahel, and singer Maya Spadia.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed to Ynet that the alternative option for Eurovision was rejected. The message was received last night (Tuesday), and it seemingly concerns the second song, “Dance Forever,” sent in advance to the European Broadcasting Union.

Since the exposure by Ynet about the European Broadcasting Union’s intention to disqualify “October Rain,” and the statement by KAN not to change the words or the song, many are trying to find a solution.

President Isaac Herzog stated that he is trying to assist, as well as the Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, responding after Ynet’s revelation, said, “We are allowed to sing about what we have been through.”

The second song sent to the European Broadcasting Union in advance is the joint creation of Israeli representative Eden Golan, songwriter Ron Biton, musician Yanon Yahel, and singer Maya Spadia. It’s worth mentioning that both options reached the final stage of the professional committee’s deliberations – “October Rain” and the unselected second song, “Dance Forever.” Already on the day of Ynet’s exposure, the creators of the second song were informed that they would not participate in Eurovision this year, but since then, the cards have been shuffled.

Israel is still trying to find a solution with the European Broadcasting Union, but those involved in the matter say they are “pessimistic.”

The chorus of the second song, “Dance Forever,” which came to Ynet:

“Dance like an angel
You will remember
I will dance forever
I’ll dance again
Dance like an angel
Tell me the rhythm because my soul is still human
Hope doesn’t stop, it just spreads its wings
It’s like a million stars suddenly lighting up in the sky
(The hope doesn’t stop, it just spreads its wings
It’s like a million stars suddenly lighting up in the sky)
Heart on fire
I’m a fighter
Don’t stop the music
Turn it up louder
I spread out my wings
Flying through the sky
Hear violins
Angels don’t cry
They only sing
Still feel the ground
Beneath my feet
Oh dance like an angel
You will remember
That I will dance forever
I will dance again
Oh dance like an angel
Oh dance like an angel
You will remember
That we will dance forever
We will dance again
Oh
Dance like an angel (we will dance forever)”

Israel will be represented at Eurovision 2024 by Eden Golan, with a song to be announced in the coming weeks. The Israeli delegation this year will limit its appearances to a minimum for security reasons, even avoiding the parade on the turquoise carpet, one week before the competition.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Ynet

Israelis are urging Icelanders to vote for Hera Björk instead of Bashar Murad!

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The Eurovision Song Contest is another venue where the crises and conflict in the Middle East are clearly reflected. An example of this is the debates over Israel‘s participation in this year’s event.

Iceland‘s participation this year has political ramifications as well. Palestinian-born artist Bashar Murad is one of the artists claiming to represent the country. Due to this circumstance, the artist is the clear favourite to represent the country and has concurrently boosted Iceland in the betting tables.

Given this, a significant number of Jews have opposed to this entry. Indeed, there have been calls for Icelandic citizens to boycott Murad’s participation in the “Israeli-Icelandic Conversation” Facebook page, which strives to promote relations between the two countries. A such example is the post made by Yogev Segal, the group manager, urging Icelanders to vote for Hera Björk, the country’s representative in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, in order to prevent Bashar Murad from winning.

In view of the above, developments over the next period are expected to be of particular interest.

Below you can watch the performances of Hera Björk and Bashar Murad:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the Eurovision 2o24 updates!

Source: Heimildin

Israel: The official video of Eden Golan’s entry will be filmed this Thursday!

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Despite the uncertainty regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024 due to the political undertone in the lyrics of its submitted entry “October Rain“, which is currently examined by the EBU, the preparations for Eurovision 2024 continue as usual.

According to Mako, the filming of Eden Golan’s entry for Eurovision 2024 will take place this Thursday, unless there are last minute changes in the plans of the Israeli delegation.

It is not clear whether the filming of the video clip will include the lyrics that are currently being examined by the EBU with the potential of being rejected or more versions will be filmed. However, considering the high costs of filming, in case the shooting does not get postponed following a potential statement by the EBU, the original lyrics will be included on the video.

The reveal of “October Rain” through a special show

The official reveal of Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2024 will be conducted via a special show on Israeli television, which is expected to air on March 11, the release date of the country’s entry.

During the show’s broadcast, the video clip of “October Rain” will be unveiled, along with Eden Golan’s first live performance of her entry. Moreover, Eden Golan will sing a cover of Noa Kirel’s “Unicorn“, the country’s entry in Eurovision 2023. The aforementioned performance was filmed today.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: mako

Israel: The country’s President is trying to resolve the issue with EBU | “It is important for us to participate”!

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According to the statements of the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, efforts are being made on his part for Israel to participate normally in Eurovision 2024, overcoming the problems that have been created with the lyrics of the song, KAN has chosen for its Eurovision entry.

President Isaac Herzog is trying to help resolve the dispute that has arisen between Israel’s public broadcaster and the EBU over the lyrics of the song chosen by the KAN committee for Eden Golan to compete in Eurovision 2024.

“I think it is important for Israel to appear at Eurovision and this is also a statement because there are haters who try to drive us out of every stage,” the president said at a conference in Jerusalem, according to Jewish media reports.

“Being smart isn’t just about being right,” he adds, implying that even if everyone in Israel thinks the lyrics of the song shouldn’t be changed, it’s more important to be smart and not be absent from the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, something that many around the world have been trying to achieve in various ways lately.

We remind you that the EBU, again according to reports, does not approve the lyrics of October Rain, considering that they contain political content. On the other hand, KAN has declared that it does not intend to change the lyrics of the song and that if the EBU does not approve it, it will withdraw from the competition. The intervention of the country’s first citizen brings a new twist to the case. We await the developments with interest.

October Rain lyrics:

The writers of history

Stand by me

Look into my eyes and you will see

People go but never say goodbye

 

Someone stole the moon tonight

Took my light

Everything is black and white

Who is the fool who told you?

That boys don’t cry

 

Hours and hours and flowers

Life is not a game for cowards

Why does time go crazy?

 

Every day I lose my mind

Clinging to this mysterious journey

Dancing up a storm

We have nothing to hide

Take me home

 

Leave the world behind

And I promise you never again

I’m still wet from the October rain

October rain

 

Live in fantasy

In ecstasy

Everything is meant to be

We will die, but love never will

 

Hours and hours and flowers

Life is not a game for cowards

Why does time go crazy?

 

Every day I lose my mind

Clinging to this mysterious journey

Dancing up a storm

We have nothing to hide

Take me home

 

And leave the world behind

And I promise you never again

I’m still wet from the October rain

October rain

October rain

 

(This part will be in Hebrew)

There is no air left to breathe

There is no place, I am not there day by day

They are all good kids, one by one

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: timesofisrael

Israel: The lyrics from Eden Golan’s song!

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A few hours ago, the lyrics from Eden Golan’s Eurovision 2024 song has been revealed. According to a post on Twitter “October Rain” is mostly written in English, while the last lines are in Hebrew and go as following:

The writers of history

Stand by me

Look into my eyes and you will see

People go but never say goodbye

 

Someone stole the moon tonight

Took my light

Everything is black and white

Who is the fool who told you?

That boys don’t cry

 

Hours and hours and flowers

Life is not a game for cowards

Why does time go crazy?

 

Every day I lose my mind

Clinging to this mysterious journey

Dancing up a storm

We have nothing to hide

Take me home

 

Leave the world behind

And I promise you never again

I’m still wet from the October rain

October rain

 

Live in fantasy

In ecstasy

Everything is meant to be

We will die, but love never will

 

Hours and hours and flowers

Life is not a game for cowards

Why does time go crazy?

 

Every day I lose my mind

Clinging to this mysterious journey

Dancing up a storm

We have nothing to hide

Take me home

 

And leave the world behind

And I promise you never again

I’m still wet from the October rain

October rain

October rain

 

(Αυτό το κομμάτι είναι στα Εβραϊκά)

There is no air left to breathe

There is no place, I am not there day by day

They are all good kids, one by one

 

Based on the same source, the song is a powerful ballad and was chosen by the broadcaster to represent Israel in Eurovision 2024 despite its lyrics being in question, while the other song is a pop-dance. “October Rain’s” lyrics were really controversial in the minds of workers in KAN, with some of them to report that it feels like the broadcaster is willing to get kicked out by EBU. It is noted that in case of a potentional withdrawal, Israel has to pay as a fee around 70.000 euros.

 

Source: Twitter/Eurovision Insider

Israel: The lyrics in question from Eden Golan’s Eurovision 2024 entry!

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According to Israeli media reports in recent days, KAN has decided on “October Rain” as the country’s Eurovision entry for 2024. Given the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, protests throughout Europe, and the contest’s regulations, KAN contacted the EBU to determine whether the song’s lyrics are considered political or not.

The song’s lyrics are currently being reviewed by the EBU, with the fear of being disqualified due to the political overtones, which can also be seen in the song’s title.

The lyrics in question

According to Israel Hayom, “October Rain” is mostly written in English, while the last lines are in Hebrew and go as following:

There’s no air left to breathe.

No place, no me from day to day.

Meanwhile, the song ends with this lyric:

They were all good children each one of them.

Not only the finale of the song can be considered political, but also several other lyrics, such as:

Evening. Everything is black and white. Who is the fool. Who told you boys don’t cry. Hours and hours and flowers. Life is not a game for the cowards…

While time goes by. Every day I’m losing my mind, Holding on

It is worth noticing that the world “Flowers” is used among IDF soldiers referring to fallen soldiers in battle.

Israel – in fear of withdrawal

Although, EBU has not made an official decision yet, KAN does not consider changing the song. According to Israeli, “October Rain” is not political, it simply expresses the feelings of the people and the country in these times. Withdrawing will be the only choice for Israel in case “October Rain” is disqualified.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: israelhayom