Israel’s Eurovision Contestant Has Announced She Is Joining The Israeli Military
"I promise you, I can do everything with these nails! Absolutely everything. Wash dishes, put on necklaces, wear earrings, and even handle a weapon," the Russian-Israeli singer said.
Israel’s Eurovision contestant, 20-year-old Russian-Israeli singer Eden Golan, has announced she is enlisting in the Israeli military, saying she can also “handle a weapon” in an interview with Israeli media, Ynet news.
"I promise you, I can do everything with these nails! Absolutely everything. Wash dishes, put on necklaces, wear earrings, and even handle a weapon," Golan said.
Golan had represented Israel at this year’s Eurovision contest in May, making it to the semi-finals.
She was initially slated to perform a song called “October Rain”, which was widely believed to be referencing Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which caused a huge controversy.
The song included lyrics such as “And I promise you that never again. I’m still wet from this October rain”.
It also includes lines about poisoned air and dead children, which are seen to be alluding to the aftermath of Hamas’ attack, according to Israel Hayom, which is considered a mouthpiece for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The song name was later changed to “Hurricane” after Eurovision asked Israel to change the song over its political message or be disqualified.
The new song changed lyrics like the word “flowers” – which Israel Hayom reported is often used to imply Israel’s war casualties – to “powers”.
Golanand Israel’s participation was still met with worldwide criticism, and she was even booed at during her semifinal performance, with several people chanting “Free Palestine”.
There was many calls to boycott Eurovision for not banning Israel from participating in the competition despite its ongoing genocide in Gaza, despite Russia being banned from competing in 2022 over its invasion of Ukraine.
Post-Eurovision, Golan has been performing at various fundraisers and events to advocate for Israel.
In the latest interview, Golan, who is expected to begin her military service on Thursday, Sep. 19, expressed how important it is for her to serve her country and said that she hopes to perform for soldiers to bring them “some joy” during Israel’s war on Gaza.
“I believe serving your country is vital, especially in today's reality,“ Golan said.
“I really hope to serve as a singer, performing for soldiers on bases, visiting those who protect us, and bringing them some joy—I get chills just thinking about it,” she added.
Israel ongoing genocide in Gaza has killed more than 41,226 Palestinians including 16,795 children and injured more than 95,413 people since Oct. 7 according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
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