Voice of the Jewish News: It’s nul points to the Eurovision party poopers
At Saturday night's final you can expect the odd ‘Palestine’ wristband or a ‘solidarity’ stunt - but also lots of Israelis gushing about how much they love their country, too.
One of the best things about the Eurovision Song Contest is that it has never taken itself too seriously. Its devotees know and revel in this. It is a place for kitsch, colour and some average songs (may we refer you, dear reader, to this year’s San Marino entry), with dancing, minimal clothing and
a carefree attitude.
It can, on occasion, be a place for political statements (this year’s Icelandic entry, anti-capitalist techno punk rockers Hatari, aren’t short of
a few words when it comes to Israel and the Palestinians), so expect some ‘Palestine’ wristbands and some kind of ‘solidarity’ stunt from the
Reykjavik boys in lipstick, spiked masks and bondage gear.
Expect lots of Israelis gushing about how much they love their country, too.
The finals, televised live on Saturday night (follow our all-singing, all-dancing songfest blog, live from Expo Tel Aviv at jewishnews.co.uk!), will be a slick production given that this is Israel and, given that Netta was such a popular winner last year, we hope there will be a lot of warmth from
the room.
If there is, Israelis will reciprocate. You don’t need to agree with a country’s politics to visit, meet the people and enjoy their customs. Israelis are already opening their doors for Friday night dinners to any visitor who wants to come to one. Amid the billboards and boycott calls, unlikely friendships will emerge.
Yes, there may be some unwelcome guests, but as us Brits know, it is
terribly bad form to come to someone’s party and make a scene.
Let’s hope they get a nul-points reception.
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