Israel’s second song submission for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest has been rejected by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for being “too political”. The decision has sparked controversy and debate among fans and artists alike.
According to reports, the song titled “Set Me Free” was deemed too politically charged by the EBU and therefore did not meet the criteria for the competition. The song, written by Doron Medalie and Stav Beger, was set to be performed by singer Eden Alene.
The rejection has left many disappointed, as Israel has been a strong competitor in the Eurovision Song Contest, having won the competition four times. The country’s last victory was in 2018 with the song “Toy” by Netta Barzilai, which also dealt with political themes.
However, the EBU’s decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that the Eurovision Song Contest should remain apolitical, as it is about celebrating music and bringing people together. Others believe that music should be a platform for artists to express their opinions and beliefs.
One of the main criticisms of the EBU’s decision is that it goes against the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest, which has been known for its diversity and inclusivity. In recent years, the competition has seen a rise in politically charged songs, such as Ukraine’s “1944” by Jamala, which won in 2016 with its powerful message about the persecution of Crimean Tatars.
Israel’s rejection also raises questions about the criteria used by the EBU to determine what is too political for the competition. Many argue that the rules and guidelines are not clear, and this can lead to bias and inconsistency in the decision-making process.
The controversy has also shed light on the political climate in Israel, where discussions about the country’s policies and actions are often deemed controversial. Some argue that the rejection of Israel’s song is a reflection of the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region.
Despite the disappointment and controversy, Eden Alene remains positive and determined to represent her country in the Eurovision Song Contest. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “I am very proud of the song and grateful for the opportunity to represent my country. I will continue to spread love and unity through my music.”
In response to the rejection, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC) has announced that they will submit a new song for the competition. In a statement, they said, “We respect the EBU’s decision and are working on submitting a new song that will meet all of the criteria. We will continue to support and promote Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.”
The Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a music competition; it is a celebration of diversity, culture, and unity. While it is understandable that certain political messages may not be suitable for the competition, it is important to have clear and transparent criteria for judging. All artists should have the opportunity to express themselves freely through their music, as long as it does not incite hatred or violence.
In the end, the rejection of Israel’s song submission may have caused disappointment and controversy, but it has also sparked important discussions about the role of politics in music and the need for clear guidelines in the Eurovision Song Contest. As the saying goes, the show must go on, and we can only hope that this year’s competition will be a true celebration of music, diversity, and unity.
