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Belgium: VRT interrupts Semi Final broadcast with call for ceasefire in Israel!

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Trade union VRT briefly interrupts broadcast semifinal Eurovision with call for ceasefire in Israel. The VRT union also supports journalists in the war zone:

“Moreover, the state of Israel is destroying the freedom of the press. That’s why we’re interrupting the image for a while.” Finally, the union calls for a ceasefire and “stop genocide”.

The socialist trade union ACOD-VRT defends the action.

“We have been watching the events in the Middle East with horror for months now. We are convinced that the State of Israel is committing a genocide and that is why it is outrageous that there is an Israeli entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. Doing nothing, just watching, is no longer an option.”

ACOD-VRT points the finger at the umbrella of public broadcasters that organizes the Eurovision Song Contest.

“Unfortunately, the EBU has made the Israeli entry possible and therefore we have decided to interrupt the broadcast. We hope to send a signal to the Israeli government to stop the fighting and killings, allow international observers and the press to enter and sit down for a negotiated solution.”

VRT management informed

 VRT spokesperson Yasmine Van der Borght told the editors of hln.be:

“It is indeed a trade union action. We were informed it was going to happen. Trade unions have the right to take action and do not need permission to do so. I can only say that we have taken note of the action.”

Before the start of the broadcast, there was a small-scale protest at the premises of the VRT and the French-language broadcaster RTBF. About 70 activists denounced the broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest, because Israel is allowed to participate.

In the center of the Swedish city of Malmö, where the Eurovision Song Contest takes place, protests are still taking place against Israel‘s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, Swedish media report. So far, nine people have been arrested. Starting at 4 p.m., more than 10,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through Malmö. According to the police, this was largely uneventful.

N-VA MP Michael Freilich responds:

“We live in a free country and so everyone is free to protest. The fact that the unions disrupt a TV broadcast for millions of viewers is their choice. Anyone who claims to want to tackle injustice, but does not say a word about the terrorist acts of Hamas and the more than 100 hostages, undermines their own credibility. That’s a missed opportunity.”

Source: hln.be

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Israel: Eden Golan’s appearance at the jury rehearsal of the semi-final was met with disapproval and applause!

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The appearance of Eden Golan on behalf of Israel in the jury rehearsal of the second semi-final, which is currently taking place at the Malmö Arena, was marked by disapproval, but also by applause!

Eden Golan performed her entry “Hurricane” for the first time in front of the audience! Some in the stands strongly disapproved of Israel’s participation, chanting Free Palestine. The police present inside the Malmö Arena immediately intervened and restrained these people. But apart from disapproval there was also a lot of applause for Eden and her flawless appearance.

It is worth noting that at noon at the journalists’ rehearsal, despite the fact that there was relatively little applause, there were no disapprovals from any accredited journalist.

In the recap afterwards, there was no shot of Eden Golan in the green room. She probably left for security reasons.

 

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Eurovision 2024: EBU Strives to Maintain Apolitical Stance

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Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is determined to uphold the apolitical stance of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Bambie Thug from Ireland faced instructions to alter their appearance for Semi-Final One after attempting to convey a message advocating for a ceasefire on the Eurovision stage. During rehearsals, the singer sported body paint inscribed with Ogham script translating to “ceasefire” and “freedom.” In a press conference, the singer expressed:

“It was very important for me because I’m pro-justice and pro-peace … Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to ‘Crown the Witch’ only (which was an) order from the EBU.”

The EBU clarified in a statement:

“The writing seen on Bambie Thug’s body during dress rehearsals contravened contest rules that are designed to protect the non-political nature of the event. After discussions with the Irish delegation, they agreed to change the text for the live show.”

Despite efforts to curtail political statements, a member of the Australian performance managed to convey a message on the contest stage. Fred Leone disclosed on Instagram that he incorporated a ‘Watermelon’ into his body paint to protest against genocide in Gaza.

 

Furthermore, Eric Saade, who participated in the Opening Act for Eurovision 2024, faced criticism from show producers and the EBU for performing with a Palestinian shawl wrapped around his wrist.

The EBU stated to SVT:

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a live program. All artists are informed of the rules of the competition. We regret that Eric Saade chose to disregard the non-political nature of the event.”

Since the commencement of the war in Gaza on October 7, Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been a contentious issue. Numerous artists, musicians, and fans across Europe have called for Israel’s exclusion from the competition due to its involvement in military action.

Several of this year’s Eurovision artists, including Windows95Man from Finland and SABA from Denmark, have also expressed contemplation on whether competing in Eurovision was appropriate if Israel remained involved.

Source: RTE / SVT

Israel: Eden Golan honoured the Holocaust Memorial Day in Malmö!

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Even though 36 out of the 37 participants of this year’s Eurovision, were present in the Turquoise Carpet, namely the opening ceremony of the contest, Eden Golan, the Israeli representative took part in a ceremony about the Holocaust Memorial Day, alongside the Jewish community in Malmö.

Eden Golan lighted a candle in the memory of the 6.ooo.ooo Jews that lost their lives in World War II in the hands of the Nazis, while wearing a yellow ribbon, representing the return of those abducted by Hamas, in October 2023.

“Today, on the eve of Holocaust Day, we will light a candle in thw  memory of the six million members of our people who were murdered. Indeed, in this year, which is perhaps the most emotionally charged we have ever known regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, it is important to remember the victims of the Holocaust and the essence of the founding of the state, to remember the need to protect our people and to fight anti-Semitism at all costs.”

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Israeli participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

Source: Euromix

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Eurovision 2024: Israel’s Second Rehearsal

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Next up on the stage of Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is Israel. Eden Golan with her song “Hurricane” is ready for her second rehearsal on the stage of Malmö Arena!

Who is Eden Golan?

Born in Israel and raised in Israel and Russia, Eden’s talents span singing, songwriting, composing, musical production and dancing.

Starting at the age of 9 years old, she garnered recognition by participating in competitions and winning numerous awards.

The young singer was the lead vocalist in a girl group for two years, captivating audiences on various stages, festivals and TV shows, before joining label and publishing house Session42 at the age of 18. She has tried to represent Russia in Junior Eurovision in 2015 and she was also a finalist on The Voice Kids in 2018.

Eden Golan won HaKokhav HaBa, an Israeli talent show via which the country’s act for Eurovision 2024 was selected. Her song “Hurricane” was selected at a later stage.

The Rehearsal

On stage Israel has a big circular prop – it’s the same style as Latvia’s, but smaller, lit up with neon and featuring a built-in wind machine. It’s also has ladders each side, so it can be used as a support for five dancers – three male, two female – who take their complex contemporary dance routine from around the circle to the front of the stage.

Israel’s Second Rehearsal – Sarah Louise Bennett

The dancers’ costumes are off-white and grey, to complement Eden’s long flowing dress. The whole performance has the same aesthetic as the official video – and as you’d expect for a song called Hurricane, the LED wall features lots of swirling colour. Our second big ballad of the day, with huge vocals to match.

Israel’s Second Rehearsal – Sarah Louise Bennett

After today’s second rehearsals a recap video will be published on the official Youtube channel! Stay tuned!

The Dress Rehearsal for Israel and the rest of Semi Final 2 is scheduled for Wednesday the 8th of May!

Source: eurovision.tv

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Israel: Eden Golan’s message before her first rehearsal!

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Today is the fourth day of the rehearsals and amongst the countries that are going to have their first rehearsal is Israel!

The representative of the country, Eden Golan, before she gets on the stage of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, in Malmö, Sweden, sends her own message through a post that shared on her personal Insragram account.

“guyyyyys it’s happening. i’m heading to Malmo to represent us at Eurovision. as i begin this journey i’m filled with so many emotions—excitement, anticipation, a little nervous, but most important the desire of wanting to put on the best performance i know i can. i am honored and filled with so much pride to represent our country—this song represents us, all of us including those who are home and aren’t— we are waiting for you. i have so many people that i’m thankful and grateful for. without them none of this would be possible. and of course to you guys- thank you, thank you, thank you. your messages and support the last few months means the world to me and gives me all the strength i need to keep pushing. this song, like our nation, is filled with heart and i intend on pouring it on that stage.

love you guys, Eden”

 

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Israel is going to participate from the 14th spot of the second Semi-Final scheduled to take place on Thursday 9th of May claiming one of the 10 tickets for the Grand Final of Saturday 11th of May.

https://youtu.be/lJYn09tuPw4

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Israel: Eden Golan reveals more information about her staging!

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Eden Golan, the Israeli representative in this year’s Eurovision, gave an interview to Israel Hayom, and revealed more information, regarding her staging in Malmö. Read more

Eurovision 2024: Massive Nordic police operation ensures security for Eurovision in Malmö!

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The final week in early May will, if not the biggest, be one of the biggest police operations in Malmö‘s history. For a whole week, Eurovision enthusiasts from around 80 countries gather to party, rejoice, and follow the competition live at Malmö Arena.

At the same time, protests against Israel‘s participation in the competition are becoming increasingly loud. Many demand that the country be prevented from participating. For the police, this situation means that security around the event must be strengthened. Nils Norling, press spokesperson for the Malmö Police says:

“For the police, Eurovision is a very big operation. Large parts of the personnel of the Malmö police are involved in this command. We also have a lot of people from other parts of Region South, and we will receive reinforcements from other parts of the Swedish Police Force throughout the week.”

Positive about the cooperation

The assessment is that it is not enough. The Swedish police are now seeking assistance from Danish and Norwegian police to reinforce the operation. Nils adds:

“We view their arrival very positively. It not only gives us relief but also the opportunity to train and work together, strengthening Nordic police cooperation. All foreign police officers will be supervised by Swedish officers.”

Collaboration between Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish police has occurred before. Swedish police have supported Danish colleagues in Denmark, and Norwegian police have assisted at football matches in Stockholm.

“It is part of Nordic police cooperation that we can support each other. The way Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian police work is very similar.”

says Nils Norling.

Previous collaborations

Danish and Norwegian police officers come with their own equipment, which may include police vehicles.

“We have previously received help from Danish police and borrowed firefighting vehicles, for example, during the Rosengård riots.”

Nils Norling does not want to disclose how many police officers – Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish – are involved in the command during Eurovision.

“We should not expose ourselves to being identified.”

Focus on the public festival

The police have been preparing for six months for Eurovision week. As the competition approaches, more and more employees have been involved.

“For every week, more people are engaged.”

Nils Norling says that residents and visitors to Malmö will notice a significant police presence in the city during the week of the competition. Throughout the city, there are activities related to Eurovision. In Malmö Arena, there are events almost daily, with finals and semi-finals and double rehearsals before them.

“We can assure everyone in Malmö that there will be a lot of police officers. People living in and visiting Malmö should be able to focus on the public festival. The police will handle security work.”

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden and any updates regarding its planning!

Source: Skånska Dagbladet
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

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Eurovision 2024: Activists protest Israel’s Eurovision Participation outside Malmö City Hall

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“Long live Palestine!” and “Israel is a terror state” – these slogans resounded outside Malmö City Hall as vocal activists gathered to influence the city’s politicians during the municipal board meeting earlier today, Wednesday, coinciding with the municipal executive board’s consideration of a citizen’s proposal to halt Israel‘s participation in Eurovision.

Today, the board will take a position on citizens’ initiatives aimed at stopping Israel‘s participation in the competition in May. The City of Malmö‘s government has already made it clear on several occasions – it is not up to the municipality to stop countries from participating.

“But they can do something. In that case, the City of Malmö should make a statement that Israel is not welcome in Malmö.”

says Yomn Kadoura, spokesperson for the network Stop Israel to TT and adds:

“And that they send emails to the EBU and say that Israel is not welcome at Eurovision!”

The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Malmö between 7 and 11 May, and the war between Israel and Hamas has stirred up strong feelings around Europe regarding the music competition. Sydsvenskan has previously reported that Tarabband, Crying Day Care Choir, and Nevergreens have canceled their concerts. Yesterday, Medina also announced their resignation.

The fact that the festivities are surrounded by growing criticism is a concern for the host city. Karin Karlsson, the main project manager for the City of Malmö‘s hosting, told TT last week.

“We want a Malmö where we come out of this in one piece.” 

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden and any updates regarding its planning!

Source: Anna Karolina Eriksson/TT
Photo: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se

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Eurovision 2024: “Can’t guarantee safety but do everything we can!” | Police ahead of Eurovision

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Now it’s only a month left before the world’s biggest music festival, the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Malmö, Sweden. And preparations are in full swing so that the competition can be carried out with the best possible safety.

Petra Stenkulla is the police area manager in Malmö and was interviewed on P1-Morgon of Sveriges Radio by reporter August Haskbom. Petra comments on the situation:

“It is of course the case that Sweden has a terror threat level of four out of five. And that means that we need to intensify our work together with the security police. But really, you can say that all types of events where there are very many people in the same place always pose a certain risk and that means that we need to take measures to have many police officers and have good planning for anything that could happen, even if it is an accident or anything at all.”

In a time with high terrorist threat, Israel‘s participation has aroused strong reactions and with up to one hundred thousand visitors, the city of Malmö is still planning on an open event. Petra Stenkulla adds:

“Our ambition is for it to be a festive event where people can still feel safe and have fun. Right now, we’re planning for it to be an open event that is happening in several different places. There will be events and people need to be able to move between them. And this is part of our planning.”

In safety planning, the City of Malmö and the police have had frequent communication with last year’s host city, Liverpool.  And Petra Stenkulla thinks that a good plan has been formed for this year’s music competition:

“We can never guarantee safety but we will do our upmost to make people feel safe. And we can also assume that there will be both rumor spreading and other factors that will lead to, for example, threats that we need to assess. But we will continue to work with this, we have a solid plan and we feel confident with that plan. So that everyone can feel comfortable.”

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding this year’s Eurovision Song Contest to be held this May in Malmö, Sweden and any security updates regarding its planning!

Source: Sveriges Radio/P1 Morgon/August Haskbom/Ekot
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

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