I have never followed Eurovision or Israel singer, Eden Golan. The reason it popped on my radar this year was because Eden Golan’s song, “Hurricane” faced opposition and succeeded while representing herself and her country admirably. 
They forced her to change some of the words, and even the title. She renamed “October Rain” to “Hurricane”. Here is her performance at Eurovision. Through all the protests and jeers, when she performed, she captured the world.
They forced her to change some of the words, and even the title. She renamed “October Rain” to “Hurricane”. Here is the first-ever public performance of October Rain… See the comparison of the words below.
She had to deal with protesters (over 20,000 outside her hotel room) jeering and even childish acts from other contestants during a press conference for the finalists. The person next to her has head covered … and at the other end of the table is someone pretending to be bored.
In the press conference, you can see the head covered contestant next to her as she is asked,
Have you ever thought that by being here, you bring risk and danger for other participants and public?
She responded with class and grace.
Not only are there judges at the event, but participating countries can vote. Note that these countries had contestants participating, and they still supported Israel.
Israel had the #2 highest votes from around the world … and ended up 5th place overall.
After a heroine’s reception in her return to Israel, Eden sang the original song, “October Rain” before a huge crowd at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.
https://youtu.be/5TEtoEhrAQg?si=bS6JmBDlMo-6bAvs
