Simon Dallmeier, a Eurovision Song Contest fan, provides feedback. - I'm embarrassed by the actions of my community.
The treatment of Israeli singer Eden Golan, just 20 years old, will leave me astonished for a long time. This talented artist has faced a barrage of online hate for months and was booed intensely by fans and journalists in Malmö for weeks. The reason for the hostility? Eden Golan chose to express her solidarity with her people musically, aiming to comfort those grieving after the horrific Hamas attack on October 7th.
Her emotionally charged ballad, which moved millions in Europe on a recent evening, contributed to an audience score of 323 points, the second-highest of the event. Her powerful message: Europe supports Israel!
However, not everyone was aware that her song "Hurricane" had been amended. Initially titled "October Rain", it was forced to change twice prior to the Eurovision Song Contest. The EBU caved in to pressure from the community when they realized some may interpret references to a national tragedy as a direct attack by Hamas.
The irony lies in the fact that when Ukraine's winner, Jamala, sang a song about the kidnapping of Crimean Tatars by the Russians in 1944 in retaliation to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2016, it was celebrated. People found this relatable to their perspective. But Israel? Apparently, they shouldn't show their political stance through their music.
Leading up to the competition, the majority of fans ignored her completely, a stark contrast from the usual engagement seen in the weeks prior. Some did not even mention Eden Golan in their discussions. It was as if they didn't exist.
The Eurovision Song Contest was further marred by inappropriate questions, like one from a Polish blogger. He asked Golan if she thought her presence could put artists and fans in danger. I was taken aback by this! Is Israel now responsible for the safety of all participants?
No! The danger was a result of fans and some artists fueling hatred towards Israel. Holland, Ireland, and Greece were among those who happily followed the EXPOSE-ISRAEL agenda. While Eden Golan was targeted for expressing the suffering of her people, the 20-year-old artist had no control over her country's politics. The Eurovision Song Contest fan community showcased their anti-Semitism openly.
As an avid Eurovision Song Contest fan, I am seriously disheartened by this. I'd like to offer my sincere apology to all Israelis. On behalf of fellow Eurovision Song Contest followers who share my views, I'd like to apologize for this display of anti-Semitism.
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Source: symclub.org
