Israeli Eurovision team accuse competitors of ‘unprecedented hatred’-Robert Oliver-Entertainment – Metro

The most controversial Eurovision in history is still giving (Picture: Getty)

Israel’s national broadcaster has claimed it was on the receiving end of ‘unprecedented hatred’ during the recent Eurovision Song Contest.

The 2024 contest, held in Malmo, Sweden, had been shrouded in controversy after Israel’s singer Eden Golan qualified for the competition amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestine protesters outside the Malmo Arena made their feelings known while other contestants – including Ireland’s Bambie Thug – raised doubts about Israel’s involvement.

Eden’s performance of the song Hurricane, which finished fifth overall, was greeted with a mix of jeering and cheering in the hall.

Now, Kan, the Israeli national broadcaster, has accused other acts of directing ‘unprecedented hatred’ at Eden and the rest of the Israeli delegation.

A statement said: ‘This year, the Israeli delegation faced immense pressure and an unprecedented display of hatred, notably from other delegations and artists.

Pro-Palestine protesters stood outside the Malmo Arena (Picture: Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Rex//Shutterstock)

‘[We received hate] publicly and collectively, solely because of the simple fact that we are Israelis and that we were there.’

The statement continued: ‘However, throughout the journey, the delegation maintained a dignified and respectful approach towards artists and other delegations.

‘[We strived] to foster unity around music while adhering to the competition’s rules, unlike some other delegations.’

Eden Golan was made to change the name and lyrics of her Eurovision entry (Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Bambie Thug raised doubts about the Israeli delegation’s behaviour at the competition (Picture: Getty)

Kan did not directly accuse any specific countries in its statement.

The Kan spokesperson did, however, direct praise at Eden, who was made to change the lyrics and title to her song to prevent it from breaking competition rules.

‘Despite the impossible challenges, Eden Golan handled the task admirably, earning respect, and the received points from the European audience speaks for itself. We could not be more proud of the result.’

Dutch entry Joost Klein was expelled from the song contest (Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Switzerland’s Nemo walked away with the trophy (and then broke it a bit) (Picture: Jessica Gow/TT/Shutterstock)

Ahead of the Grand Final, allegations had been made on social media regarding the behaviour of the Israeli delegation themselves, but it is not known how many official complaints were made to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Before the big night, Bambie Thug – whose real name is Bambie Robinson – accused Kan of breaking competition rules ahead of the flag parade rehearsal.

‘There was a situation while we were waiting to go on stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU. They have taken this matter seriously and we have been in a discussion about what action needs to be taken.’

And arguments between delegations weren’t the only source of controversy at the contest this after Dutch performer Joost Klein was expelled on the eve of the Grand Final.

Swedish police have said Joost is likely to face charges after a backstage incident involving a female member of the Eurovision production crew who later raised a complaint.

Specific details about the incident have not been raised but a statement from Swedish police said the investigation had concluded and that charges were likely to follow.

Switzerland emerged as champions from the contest and will host in 2025.

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