In Tel Aviv, fervent music enthusiasts congregated on Saturday to witness the Eurovision contest, but their anticipation turned to frustration as Israel faced what they deemed as politically motivated snubs from the judges.
Represented by Eden Golan singing “Hurricane,” Israel garnered the second-highest number of votes from the public, yet landed only 12th in the jury vote, ultimately securing a fifth-place finish overall.
The Layla bar in Tel Aviv, dubbed “the best gay bar in Tel Aviv,” pulsated with excitement as the crowd erupted in cheers upon Golan’s appearance on screen. Donning a striking white chiffon gown amid billowing artificial wind and smoke, Golan’s performance captivated the audience, many of whom expressed hope for her victory as a symbol of acceptance and unity.
However, as the jury votes rolled in, spirits plummeted. From jubilant flag-waving to despondent postures, the shift in mood was palpable. Despite the apparent snub from country juries, Israel received a significant boost from the public televote, propelling it to a respectable fifth place.
Addressing the media afterward, Golan maintained a composed demeanor, suggesting that the outcome was beyond her control. She emphasized the importance of the audience's support, highlighting the power of music and love.
Acknowledging the apparent political undertones, Yoav Tzafir, head of the Israeli delegation, lamented the disparity between the judges' and the audience's votes, asserting that Eurovision, purportedly a non-political event, had succumbed to political influences.
Reflecting on the outcome, attendees at Layla expressed a mix of disappointment and defiance. Guy, a patron at the bar, underscored the apparent bias, while manager Tal Shur echoed sentiments of marginalization, lamenting the lack of support for Israel.
Despite the controversy surrounding Israel's participation, Golan's performance garnered praise from attendees, who hailed it as “perfect” and emphasized the emotional impact it had.
However, amidst celebrations, some, like Nelly Bernardi, remained critical of the jury's initial verdict, decrying it as politically motivated and tarnishing the integrity of the competition.
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