Israel modifies Eurovision entry for breaching political neutrality rules

In response to Eurovision’s political neutrality rules, Israel has changed its song entry from ‘October Rain’ to ‘Hurricane,’ following concerns about references to the Gaza conflict in the lyrics

Israel has revised the lyrics and title of its proposed Eurovision Song Contest entry, responding to concerns over the song’s perceived political content.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), overseeing the contest, had questioned the suitability of the original song, ‘October Rain,’ because of its potential breach of the competition’s political neutrality rules.

The song, performed by Eden Golan, came under scrutiny for lyrics that seemingly alluded to a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, an incident that escalated into the war in Gaza.

Lines like “There’s no air left to breathe” and “They were all good children, each one of them” were interpreted as references to the victims of these attacks.

Additionally, the mention of “flowers” in the song raised concerns, as Israeli media suggested it was a code for war fatalities.

Following a directive from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) has now altered the song.

President Herzog stressed the significance of Israel’s voice on global platforms, especially against the backdrop of efforts to isolate and boycott the nation internationally. Heeding this call, KAN sought a revision of the lyrics while striving to preserve the songwriters’ artistic integrity.

The amended song, now named ‘Hurricane,’ aims to align with EBU guidelines and will be released to the public on March 10. This represents a change in direction from KAN’s earlier refusal to modify the song.

Israel’s participation in Eurovision has sparked debate, especially from artists in countries like Iceland, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, who have advocated for Israel’s exclusion due to its actions in Gaza.

This debate draws parallels with Russia’s exclusion following its Ukraine invasion, although Eurovision organizers assert that these are separate issues.

Source: Newsroom