Why Israel’s Eden Golan Was the Real Winner of Eurovision

Would you be willing to put your life in danger to sing a song?

The head of the Shin Bet reportedly traveled to Sweden to monitor the security situation as Eden Golan, Israel’s singer of the song “Hurricane,” competed in the Eurovision final on Saturday.

An international music competition seen by millions is nerve-wracking enough for any 20-year-old. Videos showed boos earlier in the week during her dress rehearsal.

Despite all this, Golan’s performance of “Hurricane” was the best performance. While the jury system put her in 12th place, with world audience votes, she moved up to fifth.

The international mob hoped Eurovision would not allow Israel to compete in the competition. While they forced “October Rain” to become “Hurricane” — with some lyrics needing to be changed to be less political — the song was not just a masterpiece vocally, but an incredible lyrical juggling act.

How do you make a song about the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, while making it so that it could be universal and apply to other things?

I watched a number of YouTube reaction videos where people praised Golan’s music video that first went up about two months ago, with some believing the song was about a breakup! What struck me was that not only did people marvel at her voice, but many said they got goosebumps based on her ability to sound passionate. Some even cried. They did not have such a response to performers of other countries.

Over the years, people have asked me what it means that Jews are “the chosen” people. It has certainly been a source of jealousy for many. I always explain that it means to lead by positive example.

In a world where people want to quit over so-called microaggressions, Golan demonstrated poise, courage, and emotional maturity much greater than her years.

Written by Avi Ohayon, Keren Peles, and Stav Beger, the lyrics are right on the money. “People walk away but never say goodbye” is a reference to those murdered by Hamas, and “who’s the fool who told you boys don’t cry?” is a reference to the accusation that Israelis are warmongers, and that its men don’t cry or care about what they’ve been through, or the cost of war.

The gripping chorus begins with “Every day I’m losing my mind,” and asks how one can get through life when there is such tragedy and trauma — the hurricane in the song represents terrorism. The lyric “someone stole the moon tonight” refers to the attack at the Nova Music Festival, which happened at sunrise.

The sun is featured prominently in the video, and there are dancers who could signify the ghosts of those murdered. During the hurricane, they move in a circle. There is also an upside-down tree to perhaps signify how terrorism is unnatural and against the way of life, and how people’s worlds have been turned upside down. The tree, when upright, is the symbol of the Golani Brigade.

The Irish singer called “Bambie Thug” said in an interview that she cried when she found out Israel made it to the finals. If someone has to wear a costume of a demon, it’s a hint that the person might not be that confident in their voice. Golan didn’t need shenanigans.

The song that won from Switzerland had operatic singing (impressive) combined with rap (not impressive), but also had a catchy hook. Nobody ever has a problem with Switzerland because they like to be neutral. But the song was not better than Israel’s.

Israel has won Eurovision a few times, including in 2018 when I thought its song was not the best. But we are in a new world where there is a lot of pressure on Israel, and bullies think they can influence outcomes.

Some hate-mongers said that since Eurovision didn’t allow Russia to compete, Israel should not have been allowed. Those unaware that an unprovoked invasion and defending your land from a terrorist onslaught are two different things, don’t deserve to be heard.

In her heart, Golan knows that her song was the best and she should have won. She also knows that in many areas, Israel is held to a double standard, and music can be added to the list.

One might say: “Who cares about a singing contest?”

Aside from entertainment, it is a litmus test of whether people can spread the lie that Israel is guilty of “genocide,” and make Israel look like a pariah.

Golan had to deal with boos, but she deserves all our cheers. She showed that bullying will not defeat her, and not defeat Israel.

The real winner of Eurovision fought for what is right, and her name is Eden Golan.

The author is a writer based in New York.