Israel in Eurovision: A Song of Peace and Controversy

The Eurovision song will be held in Moscow tomorrow. NPR reported that "for 53 years, some of Europe's kitchiest and tackiest performers have vied to win the Eurovision song contest. . . . But this year, among the saccharine pop and glitter costumes is one very controversial entry, and that entry comes from Israel. One half of the duo representing Israel at Eurovision happens to be an Arab citizen of that country."

Gilad Yanai Amir reports in Ma'ariv:

The second rehearsal of the Israeli delegation ended relatively well.There is still room for improvement, but we are pleased and we think we will make it to the finals," said one delegation member.

Ahinoam Nini, for her part, sounded a bit less pleased.  "On the stage, Mira and I felt incredible.  We found our place in terms of [the stage's] size, and we learned when to make the motions.  But when we watched the footage of the rehearsal, I didn't feel as good."

Q: As of now, do you think you'll make it to the finals?

"Of course.  But you're asking the wrong person.  I would prefer to expect the worst and be surprised, then to expect the best and be disappointed."

The fans around the world are actually certain that Israel will reach the finals this year.  The managers of the two largest Eurovision fan sites in the world are convinced that the two singers this year are of top quality, and that Israel is safe as far as vocal performance is concerned.  The two give interviews to the international media, and unlike other contenders-who are asked about their chances of success-the Israeli duo is asked questions pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their friendship.  "It doesn't matter what place we reach in the contest," Ahinoam says.  "Mira and I are representing Israel with dignity on the issue of peace, and it's an amazing feeling."