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The
68th version of the world's biggest song contest takes place as
protests occur in many countries against Israel's military
campaign in Gaza triggered by Hamas militants' Oct. 7 attack on
Israel.
Golan, 20, is competing with the song "Hurricane" which
initially went under the name "October Rain."
"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
in their souls and to unite by music," Golan told Reuters on
Monday.
Israel tweaked the song after the European Broadcasting Union,
which organizes the competition, took issue with verses from the
original submission, which appeared to reference the Oct. 7
attack.
The EBU's decision not to exclude Israel from this year's
contest over the war has met protests, and Malmo is bracing for
possible unrest during the week although police have said there
have been no concrete threats against the event.
Asked how she feels about the possibility of protests in Malmo,
Golan said:
"It's up to the people what to do. They have the right to speak
their voice, but I'm focusing on my part which is giving the
best performance, and on the good, on the good vibes, the good
people."
The competition is hugely popular in Israel, which has won it
four times. Bookmakers rank this year's entry in the top 10.
"It's a super important moment for us, especially this year,"
Golan said. "I feel honored to have the opportunity to be the
voice of my country."
The final takes place on Saturday.
During the war in Gaza more than 34,600 Palestinians have been
killed, according to Palestinian officials. Hamas militants on
Oct. 7 killed around 1,200 people and abducted 252, according to
Israel.
(Reporting by Ilze Filks and Tom Little, additional reporting by
Louise Rasmussen, writing by Anna Ringstrom; Editing by Cynthia
Osterman)
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