ByLIAT COLLINS

MAY 15, 2026 14:21

The verdict isn't final until the last note fades, making it a gamble to opine on the Eurovision Song Contest before Vienna's grand finale Saturday evening. Still, this year's off-stage drama rivals the global extravaganza in weight - particularly for Israel. The motto "United by music" echoes more emptily than ever.

Noam Bettan’s song “Michelle,” with lyrics primarily in French and Hebrew, portrays a toxic romantic bond. It could carry broader symbolism.

Five nations - Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland - boycotted this Eurovision, rejecting a shared stage with Israel, even while accusing Israel of "racism."

Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia vowed not to air the event, protesting Israel's entry. The show, evidently, doesn't always proceed.

Austria's ORF broadcaster deserves praise for reportedly insisting on hosting only if Israel participated.

Israel's KAN, whose EBU ties enable entry, buzzes with "Eurovision fever": a week of specials, from ex-contestant chats to themed trivia.

Israel holds four wins, but triumphs grow regardless of Bettan. KAN Europe reporter Dov Gil-Har detailed Lenny Kuhr's aliyah; she won 1969's contest for Netherlands with "De Troubadour."

A Jewish convert, Kuhr has daughters and grandchildren in Israel. Antisemitism surge, including "terrorist" jeers from pro-Palestinian fans at concerts, spurred her move. In 2026 Europe, Jews often feel unsafe. Tune into the music - or "Globalize the Intifada" cries - for clarity.

Gil-Har highlighted Vienna coffee houses linked to 35 nations' fans; initially, none welcomed Jews or Israel supporters, citing pro-Palestinian protest fears and security woes.

At the wire, principled locals stepped forward. Museumsquartier's MQ Kantine embraced Bettan's fans. Euromix cited their note: "Everyone welcome warmly - no politics here; focus on music, culture, feasting, toasting, dancing, singing together." Pure harmony.

Not all grasp Eurovision's unifying spirit. Security ramped up fiercely. Israel poses no risk; its adversaries - and the West's - do. Note 2024's Taylor Swift Vienna cancellation after ISIS terror foiling.

Pro-Palestinian gatherings champion the October 7, 2023, barbaric incursion: 1,200 slain, 251 seized, 5,000 hurt, tens of thousands uprooted.

Do other acts drill through jeers and rocket alerts? Recent Israelis Eden Golan, Yuval Raphael (Nova survivor, co-wrote this entry) thrived publicly - Golan 5th total, Raphael 2nd to Austria yet public vote top.

Israel's public vote prowess sparked voting system shifts.

The New York Times dramatized Israel's bid: "How Israel turned Eurovision’s stage into a soft power tool." It framed strong performances as reputation rehab amid sequins and flares.

New York Times devotees know routine Israel barbs - like Nicholas Kristof's prisoner dog-rape tale - but likely dismiss Eurovision save for Israel slams. Israel courts votes; the paper chases eyeballs with anti-Israel splash.

The once-record paper allowed ad campaigns, social pushes as legal for the planet's top sing-off, yet branded Israel's most aggressive/ divisive. It flagged President Isaac Herzog's boycott chats with leaders. Israel, it seems, can't compete or defend anywhere.

AHEAD of 2026 Eurovision, the Diaspora Affairs and Antisemitism Combat Ministry alerted on incitement risks, flagging 46,500 antisemitic X posts in Austria from January 1-May 10:

"Digital drives, artist arm-twisting, visual agitprop, mass protests. 1,100+ figures like Roger Waters, Peter Gabriel, Macklemore signed boycott plea while Israel joins. Slovenia pitched 'Voice of Palestine' broadcast swap."

So much for living in harmony

Rechristening bids as "Genovision." Unity? Hardly.

Counter-events, pro-Palestinian rallies target "Nakba Day" May 15, lamenting Israel's 1948 birth as catastrophe. Tension peaks as Israel marks Jerusalem Day's 59th, Six-Day War capital reunion.

Eurovision marks 70 years, evolving from mellow vibes like Kuhr's tune - unviable now not for faith, but pace and pizzazz. Tastes, spans shortened.

Israel's 1973 bow: Ilanit's stark "Ei Sham" (Somewhere). Bettan's dazzles with diamond rig, five dancers.

No rose-tint past eras. Post-1972 Munich slayings, debut Israeli drew attack worries. UK commentator Terry Wogan wisecracked: security so ironclad, seated claps advised lest snipers mistake cheers.

Ofra Haza's 1983 Munich "Chai" (Alive) snagged silver, endures as Israeli resilience ode.

Bid to oust Israel spans arts, sports, scholars - all for peace, rights. Shi'ite Iran, Sunni extremists reshape region, globe. Await no New York Times probe on antisemitism financiers, inciters fueling attacks.

Israel foes dodge facts - and melodies.