In our interview, Eden Golan sat across from me, her long, perfectly manicured nails and signature pink hair making a bold statement. As she prepares to enlist in the Israeli military, I couldn't help but wonder how this flamboyant look would fit within the rigid confines of army life.
Sensing my curiosity, Golan quickly assured me with the confidence of a seasoned star: "I promise you, I can do everything with these nails! Absolutely everything. Wash dishes, put on necklaces, wear earrings, and even handle a weapon."
Despite her assurances, I remained skeptical about how the military would react to her unique style.
"When I get to that bridge, I'll cross it. The nails and hair are part of my DNA. I started at 17, and since then, they've become an inseparable part of my personality. I color my hair and do my nails myself. I first had them done in Moscow, but I'm a perfectionist and can't tolerate a broken nail. I eventually found a great product, and now I take care of it myself. If I have to give them up during basic training, it'll be a tough month. But I'll do whatever it takes—I don't break easily."
Yes, Eden Golan's next big step is basic training. At almost 21, while her peers are mostly being discharged from service, she is gearing up for her first military order on September 19. "I returned to Israel at 18 after living in Moscow for years," she explains. "As a returning resident, the military doesn't contact you, and I postponed the call-up in the second year because of my participation, in the Eurovision Song Contest. But I believe serving your country is vital, especially in today's reality. Even if it means being more well-known and older than the other recruits. I really hope to serve as a singer, performing for soldiers on bases, visiting those who protect us, and bringing them some joy—I get chills just thinking about it."
Are you prepared to do basic training like everyone else?
"Yes. I'll undoubtedly have to endure a tougher month. I hope that, since I'm somewhat known, they'll accommodate me a bit, like allowing private showers. As for the rest, I'll adapt. I hope the other recruits understand that I'm no different from them and that we'll have fun and bond."
Golan has already proven she's not easily shaken. She was chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden during one of the nation's most challenging years. Instead of enjoying the experience, she faced constant threats, protests and jeers from the audience every time she took the stage. She was also asked provocative questions at press conferences. She handled everything with grace, perfect English, and exemplary calm. Despite the noise, she delivered a standout performance, earning a respectable 5th place at a time when global animosity towards Israel was at a peak.
"People always ask if I regret representing Israel that particular year, and my answer is a resounding no," she says. "I gained extraordinary global exposure because everyone was focused on who Israel's representative was. On the other hand, I wouldn't wish the mental toll I experienced on anyone. I have thick skin, but even for me, it was tough. I discussed it with Keren Peles [who wrote the song] and Netta Barzilai[who won the contest in 2018] and they told me they would not have been able to have handled it. Looking back, even I don't understand how I did. You feel ostracized, you beg your security guards to let you out of the hotel for some air, and they say you'd have to disguise yourself to do so. You get on stage, start singing, and the boos and whistles are so loud you can't hear yourself. People don't know this, but I sang most of my performance on autopilot, from memory. I simply couldn't hear myself."
Did you take this hatred personally?
"I tried not to, but I was in shock. I prepared myself for boos, but not to that extent. Still, it lit up a fire within me. It became even more important to present my song and be heard, to show that we are strong despite everything and that no one can defeat us.
"I also believe it's no coincidence that I represented Israel that year. Both because of my great love for the country and because, as a child, I attended a British school and I speak English fluently. I sang 'Hurricane,' a song with so much meaning about what our country has gone through. I truly feel this was meant to be my mission."
In Love with Her Career
After wrapping her Eurovision journey in May, Golan didn't take a moment to rest. Alongside working on an international career (she's currently in talks with major labels in Los Angeles and is set to release her first international single soon), she continues to play a crucial role in advocacy for Israel, performing at various fundraising events worldwide. In July, she performed at a major event in London, and a month earlier, she opened the Israel parade in New York. "A truck drove me through the streets of Manhattan, and I sang 'Hurricane,' with the streets filled with Israel supporters singing along and waving Israeli flags," she recalls. "It was amazing."
Later that day, Golan performed at a gala for the United Hatzalah organization, where she received a moving surprise: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a staunch supporter of Israel, took the stage to announce that June 4, 2024, would be recognized as "Eden Golan Day" in New York City. "I salute Eden for her courage as a cultural ambassador for her beloved homeland, and I look forward to her continued success," he said as he presented her with a certificate of honor.
Impressive, indeed.
"Wow. I'm still in shock that someone of his stature said what he did. It was insane. I did not see that coming."
Golan, a brand ambassador for "Fox" and "Natural Formula," has also recently ventured into acting, having filmed for a new series. "It's a teen series called 'Quest' that will air on HOT and is about a gaming competition. This is my first acting role. It's something I want to incorporate into my work, and even before I won 'HaKochav Haba,' (Israeli talent discovery show) I started taking acting lessons with a private teacher and went to auditions. Originally, I was cast for a different, larger role in the series, but it didn't fit with my schedule, so I was cast as 'Dganit the Journalist.' I've already filmed my entire role in one concentrated filming day, and I really enjoyed it."
Did you imagine you'd become famous here so quickly?
"I never thought that during the two years I'd live in Israel, I'd already be the country's representative in the Eurovision contest. I remember after my first audition, I sat with my publicist at a coffee shop near my home in northern Tel Aviv, and he told me: 'In a month, you won't be able to sit like this anymore.' I had scheduled a meeting at that same café before the contest. but when it took place, as we were just five minutes into the meeting, a crazy crowd of screaming kids arrived. We had to wrap up the meeting, I quickly got into the car, but the kids kept chasing us, some even on scooters. It was crazy. But it's okay. When it happens, I give all my love and take pictures with whoever wants, because this didn't happen to me without preparation; it's something I've been building myself up for since I was nine. I waited for this, wanted it, and I love it."
Eden lives with her parents, her younger brother, and Leo, the family Chihuahua. Since she only returned to Israel at 18, she doesn't have childhood friends here. "The people I work with today are my friends," she says. "And of course, I have my mom, who always was and always will be my best friend."
Since returning to Israel, she hasn't been in a relationship. In an interview she gave in April she said her only relationship was when she was 17, with a Russian who was a few years older than her and that it ended in verbal abuse. "He used to belittle me," she revealed. "I cut it off pretty quickly. To this day, I don't feel like I've experienced true love."
Do you want a good and healthy relationship?
"It doesn't concern me. I feel like I'm currently in a serious and good relationship with myself and my career, and that's enough for me. I'm not ruling out anything, okay? If the right person comes along and I feel it's right, I won't deny myself. I definitely won't be looking for it. Even before I became famous I would never have thought, for example, to join Tinder. I know there are people who even get married after meeting on Tinder, but it always scared me that the person could be a murderer."
Regardless, what is your type?
"I don't have a specific type, but it has to be someone who has his career and life, who understands that my work and music will always be my number one priority. In my life, the relationship will only come after that. Oh, and it's also important that he's not a singer."
Why?
"Because it seems too conflicting to me. It's true there are couples who made it work, but I don't see it working for me."