Who is Eden Golan, the controversial Israeli Eurovision singer who just came 5th? Raised in Russia, the 20-year-old looks up to Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, and was once in a girl group
- Following weeks of backlash from pro-Palestine activists – and booing in the arena during her set – Israel’s Eden Golan finished in 5th place at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden
- Even Sweden’s Greta Thunberg turned up to protest Israel’s war in Gaza before the competition, where Golan performed her song ‘Hurricane’ – instead of the more politicised ‘October Rain’
Following weeks of backlash from pro-Palestine activists, Israel’s Eden Golan finished in fifth place at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, on Saturday night.
Switzerland’s Nemo came in first place, though much of the build up to the competition was overshadowed by controversy around the inclusion of Israel at the event amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, as reported by CNN.
“From the very first moment we had one goal, which was to make Israel’s strong voice heard in the world, and I know that we accomplished that goal in a big way,” Golan said in a statement, per The Times of Israel.
She added, “I don’t forget for one moment our hostages, and I dedicate my participation in the contest to them!”
Since the Israel-Gaza war began last October, over 34,800 Palestinians and over 1,400 Israelis have been killed, according to reports at the time of writing. Just over 250 Israeli hostages were taken by Hamas in October, with 112 returned alive as of February 2024, 132 still in captivity and 50-70 deceased.
According to various sources, booing was audible from members of the crowd as Golan performed her song “Hurricane”. The Guardian reports that pro-Palestine protesters, including climate change activist Greta Thunberg who shouted “this is a genocide”, had previously been seen clashing outside the venue with police.
Here’s what we know about 20-year-old Eden Golan.