Eurovision 2024: Israel's singer is ordered to stay in the hotel room under strict security

As a result of pro-Palestinian protests and events that may take place in the economic city of Eurovision, Malmo, Eden Golan has been advised to stay out of the spotlight when he is not onstage, writes. EuroNews.

Israel's representative for this year's Eurovision is under strict security measures, maintaining a symbol of solidarity with Hamas held prisoners. Swedish police are on high alert and have also sought assistance from Denmark and Norway for the biggest music competition in Europe, which is resulting to be one of the most air-controversial editions mainly because of Israel's participation.

There have been calls for boycotting the event, and more than 1,000 Swedish artists have demanded that Golan not be allowed to attend, as have 1,400 workers of the Finland arts industry.

The Russian-Israel singer is said to have been requested by Israel's security service, Shin Beth, not to leave her hotel room for her safety and is under bodyguard protection.

Golan wrote on Instagram: “as I begin this journey, I am filled with so many emotions of enthusiasm, anticipation, a little nervousness, but most importantly the desire to give the best performance I know. I'm honored and full of pride to represent our country this song represents all of us, including those who are not at home and those who are not. We're waiting for you to have”.

Organisers had threatened to exclude Israel if Golan did not rewrite the lyrics of her song '%October Raina, since they found the text verses as politically charged ʹ widely known as reference to Hama's October 7 attacks. The song was modified and renamed as Herurricane, thus ensuring its participation.

Speaking to the AFP, Golan has expressed surprise that the organisers who rejected the first version of the song, titled "October Raineen." “I was surprised when the European Radio-Television Union did not approve the song”, Golan said. “I don't think the first version was political”.

However, some of the lyrics like “no more air to breathe” and “were all good children, each of them”. They were singled out and thought to be in connection with the victims of Hamas' attack. New verses like “I'm still broken by this hurricane” are seen as reference to the attacks, but the EBU gave the green light.

Golan argues that the Hurricane functions on many levels and is open to interpretation. “Any person who hears it can connect to the song at its level”, she said. Our people, our country, are connected to it on a much deeper emotional level because of the tragedy we've been over”.

Before, The EBU has denounced “specific services on social networks” against artists following death threats to Israeli representative Eden Golan.

There have been fears that this year's Eurovision will be an apparent target for Islamic extremists because of Golan's involvement. There are also concerns about cyber attacks and Sweden's NATO membership, all of which threaten the Eurovision motto “united by music”.

The first Eurovision Soong Conference semifinal is on Tuesday 7 May and the second, on Thursday 9 May before the grand finale on Saturday 11 May.