Eden Golan, Israel's representative for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, departed for Sweden on Tuesday to much fanfare, with the competition set to start next week.
Accompanied by her team from KAN Public Broadcasting Corporation, Golan, wearing a yellow ribbon pin symbolizing support for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, was greeted at Ben Gurion Airport by a crowd of adoring fans.
She hopes to carry her nation from the second semi-final on May 9 to the grand final two days later with her performance of the song Hurricane.
The path to Eurovision has been fraught with challenges for Golan, particularly concerning the song October Rain, co-written by Keren Peles and Avi Ohayon. Controversy struck in late February when the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) considered banning the song for its alleged political messaging.
Compounding the tension is the atmosphere in Malmö, which has become less welcoming to Israelis and Jews since the onset of the Gaza war. This has necessitated increased security measures for the Israeli delegation, reflecting broader concerns about the war and a global surge in antisemitism.
As the event approaches, the team remains vigilant, navigating these complexities while focusing on delivering a memorable performance on the Eurovision stage.