Despite all the controversy about the participation of Israel, the country qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland. During the second semifinal of the event, which according to the organizer Ebu is “Apolitical”, the song “New Day Will Rise” received enough voices from TV viewers from singer Yuval Raphael to be allowed. Professional juries only hand out points during the final.
During the performance of Israel, some brewery sounded in the hall and some people turned their backs to the stage. At the general rehearsal earlier in the day, the country was boosted louder and Palestinian flags were also visible. The participation of Israel, which killed over 51,000 Palestinians in Gaza, is sensitive to both former participants, broadcasters and part of the Songfestival fans.
In addition to Israel, favorites Austria and Finland are also through to the final. Lithuania, Armenia, Denmark, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta and Greece are also through. There they compete against the Dutch entry Claude and the Sauna act of Top favorite Sweden.
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NRC assessed the numbers of the second semifinal