Israel wins Eurovision contest for #MeToo-themed song

JERUSALEM — A song referencing the #MeToo movement replete with chicken sounds won the Eurovision Song Contest for Israel on Saturday night, kicking off a euphoric, if somewhat tense, week for Israel and the region.

Netta Barzilai, a flamboyantly dressed singer whose instrument of choice is an electronic looper, was among the favorites to win the annual contest, a chintzy display of musical acts from more than 40 European countries and beyond. The winner is decided in a live public vote.

As the results became clear, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in celebration, and multiple political leaders used social media to declare their profound admiration for the young singer.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted an untranslatable Hebrew slang endearment to Barzilai and wrote “Next Year in Jerusalem” — a play on the saying declared at the end of the Passover meal and the fact the Eurovision will take place in the city next year.

Netanyahu referenced Barzilai again in a speech Sunday morning, saying: “These days Jerusalem is blessed with many gifts. We got another one last night with Netta’s brilliant and explosive victory.”

He was speaking at an inaugural event marking Jerusalem Day, an annual celebration of the reunification of the Holy City under Israeli sovereignty following the country’s victory in the six-day war in 1967.

But Barzilai’s catchy song, “Toy,” a direct jab at the objectification of women and link to the #MeToo movement, stole the night, drawing 529 points and beating out other favorite, Cyprus, to win.

“It’s so fun that you chose something different. It’s so fun that we managed to reach so many hearts. Its so fun that we managed to challenge stereotypes. It’s so fun that we got it and we deserve it,” she said in her acceptance speech.

This is Israel’s fourth time winning the Eurovision Song Contest, now in its 63rd year. The last time it won was in 1998.