Bambie Thug, the Irish participant in the Eurovision 2024 competition, expressed her disappointment when she found out that the Israeli singer, Eden Golan, had advanced to the finals in Malmö, Sweden. She and her team were upset by the news.
Bambie Thug’s entry, “Doomsday Blue,” incorporates elements of “Wiccan” practice, while Israel’s entry, “Hurricane,” alludes to surviving a terror attack but had to tone down its lyrics to comply with the competition rules against political statements.
Despite initial objections to Golan’s participation, she has become a leading contender in the competition, with many predicting her to finish at the top.
The tension between Ireland and Israel, particularly regarding the conflict with Hamas, has been palpable. Bambie Thug’s dispute with Golan even led to the European Broadcasting Union relocating Golan’s dressing room away from Thug’s.
Numerous other contestants and judges have also displayed animosity towards Israel during the competition.
Pro-Palestinian protests in Malmö have added to the controversy, with Golan needing a police escort due to threats from anti-Israel activists.
Despite the challenges, Golan has remained positive and grateful for the support she has received from Israelis and fans worldwide.
Israelis have rallied behind Golan as a symbol of resilience against antisemitism, with hopes of hosting the Eurovision finals in 2025 if she wins.
