As Israel’s 2024 entry is scrutinised, we look at the times when songs got around the contest’s impartiality rules
After allowing Israel to take part in this year’s Eurovision song contest amid calls for them to be boycotted, organisers will be scrutinising the country’s entry for political messaging – particularly whether lines such as “they were all good children” could refer to the current conflict in Gaza or hostage situation. All the more so since last night, when Israel’s national broadcaster KAN revealed that the song is called October Rain. In its rules, Eurovision is described as a “non-political event” that “shall in no case be politicised and/or instrumentalised and/or otherwise brought into disrepute in any way”.
Israel’s culture minister insists the song is “not political” and KAN said it would reject any call to alter the lyrics. Whatever the intentions, there have been plenty of other songs that have snuck in around the rules.
When you came, as if a sun has dawned
Illuminating my day and night, my life was wonderful
Now, all of a sudden, everything has changed
Without you, life is difficult and hard
[hand gestures intensify as the chorus drops]
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