At the ESC final, 20-year-old Eden Golan had to endure a lot of whistles – because she represented Israel. The anti-Semitism commissioner Klein criticizes this as an “anti-Semitist pattern” and Central Council President Schuster also finds clear words.
Around eight million people in Germany alone watched the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, on their screens yesterday – that was roughly the same as last year. But a lot of things were completely different this year, a lot of things were right not the motto “United by Music”.
There had already been criticism in advance of the participation of the Israeli singer Eden Golan, who erupted in loud protest on site in Malmö – in front of and in the event hall. The 20-year-old artist, her home country, the Israeli government and the war in the Middle East were rarely viewed separately.
Eden Golans was under increased police protection before the final, and her appearance was accompanied by whistles – as was the scoring switch to Israel.
Negative consequences for the artist scene
The Federal Government’s Anti-Semitism Commissioner, Felix Klein, found clear words about this. “It is a common anti-Semitic pattern to hold Israelis collectively liable for the actions of their government or their army, which they themselves often condemn,” he told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “The progressive Israeli cultural scene in particular is already suffering considerably from this and is facing increasing international isolation.”
Klein also criticized the climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was taken away during a protest in front of the arena in Malmö, for her participation in “the misguided demonstrations”. They “should realize, just like the protesters in this country, that they are attacking in absolutely the wrong place,” said Klein.
Schuster sees “terrifying” developments
The President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, said the newspaper Tagesspiegel: “The fact that an Israeli artist cannot move freely in the middle of Europe, has to stay in her hotel and can only perform under police protection is significant.” It was shocking that she was also booed there. “Unfortunately, the ESC made it clear how far we have come in Europe,” said Schuster.
At the same time, he spoke of a “great signal” that Israel had received the second most votes from the public after Croatia. At Eden Golani, the evaluations from the jury and the audience were very different. According to the evaluations of the expert juries from all ESC states, she came in twelfth place and in second place in the televoting.
Whistles accompany Eden Golan
Eden Golan was also attacked in the hall during the final. As the nations entered, whistles could be heard in the hall as she took the stage. When she performed her song “Hurricane,” the 20-year-old had to endure whistles and boos. The boos got even louder when the Israeli jury began awarding points.
The ESC final was accompanied by a massive police presence in front of the arena and throughout the Swedish city. The area in front of the arena was temporarily cordoned off after the police identified a heated atmosphere. Several thousand people took part in demonstrations, mostly peaceful but often loud.