Israel in the Eurovision

With the 64th Eurovision Song Contest to take place in Tel Aviv next week, Ben-Gurion airport has seen a steady stream of artists arriving for the contest. This year is the third time Israel has had the opportunity to host the Eurovision Song Contest. The air is crackling with excitement in Tel Aviv.

Israel eurovision wins

Israel is pretty new to the contest as Israel was only granted permission to participate in 1973, making Israel the first non-European country to join! Israel's interest soon paid off with a victory in Paris in 1978, with the song “A-Ba-Ni-Bi”.

Since joining, Israel has won the Eurovision song contest four times! The famous song, “Hallelujah”, made Israel a second-time winner in 1979. Israel’s third victory caused quite a stir and widespread celebration in Israel, as Dana International was the first transgender singer to win the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Diva”.

Hallelujah was sung in Hebrew during Eurovision but was later released in English too, so people all over the world could understand the lyrics behind the hopeful, catchy song. Hallelujah!

Most recently, Netta Barzilai won the Eurovision in 2018 for her empowering song, “Toy”, which is why Israel is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest this year in Tel Aviv!

Eurovision in Tel Aviv

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most famous song contests making tickets a bit expensive. Don’t fret yet, because you can have a taste of Eurovision with a FREE concert in Tel Aviv. On the eve of the second semi-final of the Eurovision contest, three previous winners of the Eurovision contest will be performing in Tel Aviv.

The contest is set to begin at 8 PM on May 16 at the Tel Aviv Port. The second semi-finals will be aired live on a giant screen followed by a Eurovision dance party until late at night.