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Israel’s Eden Golan drew protests from audience members during the second semi-final of Eurovision 2024 in Malmo after a chorus of loud boos and “Free Palestine” chants at her dress rehearsal.
Those inside the Malmo Arena said there was audible booing and some audience members turned their backs to the stage during the televised semi-final on Friday.
“Eden stood on stage during the dress rehearsal with pride and gave an incredible performance. They did not silence her and they will not silence us,” host Swedish broadcaster SVT said.
Controversy also erupted at the post semi-final press conference.
Golan said she was “so overwhelmed with emotions” to make the grand final, and it was “an honour to be here performing on stage and showing our voice and representing us with pride”.
The singer was then asked if she thought her presence in Malmo presented a safety risk to other participants and the public.
The press conference host interjected to tell Golan she didn’t have to answer the question if she didn’t want to, and then shifted and said she could if she was inclined.
Golan said she believed the European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision, had taken all necessary security measures to make the event safe for everyone.
“I think we are all here for one reason and one reason only, and the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and united place for everyone, so I think it’s safe for everyone and we wouldn’t be here for any other reason,” she said.
Earlier, police and undercover security dispersed pro-Palestinian protesters with flags outside the venue before the show, after a day of unrest and a march in the city’s centre attended by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
Despite the controversy about Israel’s inclusion in this year’s singing Olympics as the conflict in Gaza continues, the second semi-final proceeded without drama.
The Israeli delegation were forced to change the title and tweak lyrics of her entry song, originally called October Rain, to avoid potential disqualification as they appeared to reference the October 7 terrorist attack in breach of the contest’s rules about political content.
Golan, 20, has been staying
at a secret location, with police and military forces stationed throughout the southern Swedish city as marches continue in protest at Israel’s participation.
In an interview with Reuters, Golan said she was focusing on the contest motto United By Music.
“It’s up to the people what to do. They have the right to speak their voice, but I’m focusing on my part which is giving the best performance, and on the good vibes, the good people,” she said.
Fans attending the second semi-final were subject to heightened security measures and bag searches to prevent any pro-Palestine flags or signs being brought into the arena.
Undercover security teams were stationed throughout the crowd to curb potential stage invasions or other unrest.
There was speculation the Swedish broadcaster SVT would mute any boos or proPalestine chants during the second semi-final broadcast. Golan was one of the 10 singers who televoters chose to go through to the weekend’s grand final.
The other nine countries who will sing off for the Eurovision crystal microphone trophy are Latvia, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia and Armenia.
The official Australian entry, duo Electric Fields, did not get past their semi-final.
Sydney’s Eurovision finalist