– The people have the right to say what they think – NRK Culture and entertainment

The protests against Israel’s participation in the song competition have led to extensive demonstrations in Malmö even before the event. Larger demonstrations and massive security measures have also been announced in the coming days.

Israel’s Eurovision artist Eden Golan has commented on the demonstrations in an interview with Reuters.

– Focusing on my role

– It is up to the people what they do. They have the right to say what they think, but I focus on my role, which is to give the best performance and the good people and vibes, says 20-year-old Golan.

The Israeli entry competes in the second semi-final on Thursday. A larger protest demonstration is then announced.

– I come here to show my voice, to share my love, my gift from God and to hopefully make people feel something and leave a mark on their souls, Golan said.

Golan will perform the song “Hurricane”. The song was first called “October Rain” which referred to the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October. The song had to be rewritten because it could be perceived as political.

Received criticism

Golan has also been criticized for his statements in social media bordering on political activism.

On several occasions recently, she has appealed to her Israeli followers to do everything in their power so that the Israeli hostages can be set free and come home.

Swedish police inform SVT that they expect up to 40,000 demonstrators on both Thursday and Saturday if Israel goes to the final.

– We protest against Israel being allowed to participate in Eurovision. Not because we want to destroy or sabotage, says Nabil Abdulmajid.

He is one of the organizers of the demonstration.

Enhanced travel advice

Eurovision week is special because around 100,000 visitors are expected to Malmö.

Many residents of Malmö are concerned about safety during the singing competition.

More than half of the city’s residents want to avoid the competition area, according to a poll in the Swedish newspaper Sydsvenskan.

Israel, for its part, has tightened the travel advice to Malmö in connection with Eurovision. Among other things, Israelis who have planned to travel to Malmö are encouraged to consider whether the trip is necessary.