Eurovision Organizers “Scrutinizing” Israeli Song Lyrics Amidst Question Marks Over Their Political Nature

Eurovision organizers are swiftly scrutinizing the lyrics of Israel‘s 2024 entry amidst question marks over their political nature.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said it is “in the process” of examining the lyrics to the song from Israeli performer Eden Golan titled ‘October Rain.’

Israeli broadcaster Kan has said it has no intention of changing the song even though there are still three weeks until the final submission date.

Political messages are forbidden from Eurovision and have led to songs being banned in the past such as Georgia’s 2009 entry.

The lyrics, which Kan confirmed are correct when they were leaked to the media earlier this week, include: “They were all good children, each one of them,” and, “There’s no air left to breathe,” along with a reference to “flowers,” an Israeli slang term for fallen soldiers.

The EBU may deem that they are a politicized reference to Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, the catalyst for the bloody war currently raging in Gaza.

“The EBU is currently in the process of scrutinizing the lyrics, a process which is confidential between the EBU and the broadcaster until a final decision has been taken,” said a spokeswoman. “All broadcasters have until 11 March to formally submit their entries. If a song is deemed unacceptable for any reason, broadcasters are then given the opportunity to submit a new song or new lyrics, as per the rules of the contest.”

A statement from Kan to press said it would reject any request to alter lyrics and will pull out if the song is rejected. Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar said on X that disqualifying the song would be “scandalous.”

Tensions are already high over this year’s Sweden-held contest.

Both the Finnish and Icelandic entertainment communities have urged the EBU to ban Israel in a similar vein to Russia’s exclusion the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

The EBU has always stressed that there are differences between the Russian and Israeli situations but the lyrics issue will only serve to enflame tensions.

Last week, Hollywood stars including Helen Mirren and Liev Schreiber signed an open letter supporting Israel’s inclusion in this year’s contest.

The UK, which hosted in 2023, will be represented this year by Years and Years’ Ollie Alexander but that move has also proved controversial as the It’s a Sin star recently signed a letter describing Israel as an “apartheid” state.