The controversy continues surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, a decision criticized by artists and organizations, who reject their competition due to the continuous attacks against the civilian population of Gaza. Now, the problem seems to be in the lyrics of the song with which Eden Golan will represent her country, October Rain.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the Eurovision music festival, clarified this Thursday that it is evaluating the lyrics of the participating songs, in response to reports from Israeli media, which claim that it would have qualms about accepting the lyrics of the song. for its “political” content.
“We are currently examining the lyrics of the songs, a process that is confidential between the EBU and the (national) broadcasting organization until a final decision has been made,” said the organizing entity in response to a query from the Efe agency.
The organization does not make public its differences with the Israeli candidacy. However, local media claim that he had asked to change the lyrics of October Rain because he considered them political. But the country has flatly refused.
According to the statement sent by the EBU, all stations have until March 11 to formally present their candidacies. “If a song is deemed unacceptable for any reason, broadcasters have the opportunity to submit a new song or new lyrics, in accordance with the contest rules,” he explains in his response.
However, Israel keeps its pulse. Public television KAN has published the full lyrics on its website, where you can read controversial verses such as “we have nothing to hide. Take me home and leave the world behind.” “I’m still soaked in the October rain,” he says in the chorus, a message many believe is a reference to the Hamas attack that month.
