Eurovision semi-final kicks off with deal with Israeli contestant
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Safety tight in Malmo for second Eurovision semi-final
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Israeli PM praised Israeli contestant for participation
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Round 100 protesters collect outdoors competitors venue
By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen
MALMO, Sweden, – The second semi-final of the 2024 Eurovision Track Contest kicked off in Sweden late on Thursday, with a lot of the main target anticipated to be on Israel’s efficiency after hundreds joined a pro-Palestinian protest earlier within the day.
Some 100,000 guests have gathered within the southern Swedish metropolis of Malmo for the annual kitsch-fest, which is going down amid protests and boycotts over the Israeli army marketing campaign in Gaza that was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel.
Local weather activist Greta Thunberg earlier within the day joined greater than 10,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators within the centre of Malmo who object to Israel’s participation within the musical contest.
Police mentioned protests have been largely calm. 9 individuals had been taken into custody and one particular person was arrested on suspicion of a severe crime in opposition to the Knife Act.
Protester Eric Goran mentioned prior to now he would normally watch Eurovision, which is organised by the European Broadcasting Union and has been held since 1956.
“This yr I misplaced all respect for the EBU,” he mentioned. “It is clear that they can not take a standpoint in opposition to what is going on on. I feel the one proper factor to do is to boycott Israel.”
Swedish authorities have heightened safety, bracing for doable unrest.
Metallic barricades and huge concrete blocks have been put up round Malmo Enviornment, which is internet hosting the competitors, and snipers have been seen on buildings within the enviornment.
Israeli contestant Eden Golan, 20, will carry out her music “Hurricane”. In a video assertion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Golan for her participation.
“You aren’t solely taking over Eurovision in a proud and really spectacular method, you’re additionally contending efficiently with an unsightly wave of antisemitism – and representing the State of Israel with monumental honour,” Netanyahu mentioned.
‘HYPOCRISY AND DOUBLE STANDARDS’
Protester Amar, a Palestinian who declined to present his second identify, mentioned: “I am right here as we speak as a result of I see the hypocrisy and double requirements world wide.”
“We’re in opposition to what’s taking place in Gaza proper now. However I additionally need individuals to know that we do not hate Jews.”
A smaller pro-Israel demonstration was held in a while Thursday, a couple of hundred metres from the pro-Palestinian protest, with attendants holding arms and dancing in a circle to outdated Israeli Eurovision hits.
“I am right here to defend Israel,” mentioned Rolf, 70, from the Swedish metropolis of Lund, declining to present his second identify.
“We’re solely a bit group, however we need to be seen as effectively. I feel it is a disgrace that this lady from Israel who’s performing as we speak has to face in opposition to all this… She actually feels the stress.”
The EBU has resisted requires Israel to be excluded however requested the nation to switch the lyrics of its unique music “October Rain”, which appeared to reference the Hamas assault.
Golan says she hopes her efficiency will assist to unite individuals.
“It is a tremendous vital second for us, particularly this yr,” she advised Reuters in an interview this week. “I really feel honoured to have the chance to be the voice of my nation.”
Thursday’s semi-final will even function contestants from Malta, Albania, Greece, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia, Norway and the Netherlands.
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