The two Swiss cities were the final candidates chosen according to criteria that included transport connections, hotel capacity and security.
"At the moment, I thought it was funny but didn’t realize how scary and dangerous it really was," the singer said.
"I wanted to sing "October Rain" tonight. This is my prayer to bring everyone back home. I will not stop making our voice heard in Israel and worldwide until everyone returns home," Golan said.
If Israel is not able to defend itself – hitting back at its enemies – nobody will be safe. “Ironclad support” is meaningless if it translates as a steely grip preventing Israel from taking action.
At the end, the entire cast appeared in T-shirts bearing the names of kibbutzim and communities that have been abandoned since October 7.
Recent global demonstrations and declining support highlight Israel's increased isolation amid its largest offensive against Hamas since 2005, intensifying criticism over its impact in Gaza.
Besides Gadot who congratulated and encouraged Golan in a FaceTime call a few hours prior to her performance, Noa Tishbi also encouraged her and explained to her followers how to vote overseas.
The tear-stricken Bambie Thug said "F*** the EBU" shortly after scoring below Israel's Eden Golan.
While a vocal minority of protesters oppose Israel’s fight against Hamas, millions of Eurovision viewers around the world respect Israel and its Eurovision representative Eden Golan.
The Eurovision Song Contest, which took place on Saturday night, likewise attracted such negative attention over Israel’s participation.
JPOST Digital Library
