Eurovision 1969 winner Lenny Kuhr makes aliyah to Israel, citing antisemitism, death threats and cancelled performances across Europe.
Dutch-Jewish singer Lenny Kuhr, who won the Eurovision 1969 for the Netherlands, has arrived in Israel as a new immigrant, alongside her husband, Robert. Kuhr landed at Ben Gurion Airport this afternoon, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Representatives of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, who accompanied the singer throughout the immigration process, welcomed the couple at the airport and assisted them with their first steps in the country.
Kuhr, one of the best-known and most respected voices in Dutch music, announced earlier this year that she intended to relocate to Israel,
where her children and grandchildren already live. Beyond her natural desire to be closer to her family, Kuhr revealed in several interviews over recent months that the increasingly hostile atmosphere and rising antisemitism towards Jews and Israelis in the Netherlands and across Europe also played a decisive role in her decision to make aliyah, alongside her retirement from the music industry.
Her move comes amid renewed controversy in her home country, which has ultimately decided to boycott Eurovision 2027 over Israel’s participation.
Upon arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, Kuhr expressed her excitement:
“I am very excited to be here. I have visited Israel many times, and this is where I feel at home. The situation in Europe is difficult, and as a singer, I experience cancelled performances and even receive death threats. I want to live in a country that I love, and I am looking forward to improving my Hebrew and living here with my husband and alongside my daughter, who has already made aliyah.”
Daganit Sankar-Langa, Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, welcomed the veteran star:
“We welcome Lenny today with a big embrace and congratulate her on joining the family of immigrants in Israel. After years of moving audiences on stages, she is opening a new chapter here, close to her family. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration will continue to accompany her along the way, helping her settle in and feel at home. Lenny, welcome to Israel!”
As previously reported, Kuhr won Eurovision 1969 in one of the most memorable finals in the contest’s history. The competition ended in an unprecedented four-way tie, with the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Spain all sharing first place.
Throughout the years, the singer has maintained a close connection with Israel and even participated in a Eurovision tribute concert. Now, she is beginning a new chapter in her life as an Israeli citizen. The EuroMix team wishes Lenny Kuhr a smooth and successful transition to her new home!
The Netherlands’ Eurovision Boycott – And the Return That Was Cancelled
In mid-August, AVROTROS, the Dutch national broadcaster traditionally responsible for selecting and sending the country’s Eurovision entry, announced that it would continue its boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest for another year.
In its statement, AVROTROS argued that the competition was not neutral, implicitly directing criticism towards Israel by pointing out that a country involved in a large-scale military conflict was still participating. The organization also stated that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East were having a significant impact on the competition and generating considerable controversy.
Despite AVROTROS’s strong stance against Israel, there had initially been an attempt in the Netherlands to return to Eurovision in 2027. The Dutch public broadcasting organization NPO, which is responsible for the country’s public radio and television services, stepped forward to take responsibility for the country’s participation instead of AVROTROS.
However, as previously reported, the Netherlands ultimately decided to withdraw from the competition following criticism and protests from television network employees over Israel’s participation.
C'est La Vie
NetherlandsClaude represented Netherlands at Eurovision 2025 with “C'est La Vie”. The entry finished 12th in the grand final with 175 points.
Netherlands competed at Eurovision 65 times between 1956 and 2025. The country has won five times, most recently in 2019 with Duncan Laurence’s “Arcade”. In 2025, Claude represented Netherlands with “C'est La Vie”, finishing 12th in the grand final with 175 points.
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A writer and content creator with a strong specialization in the Eurovision scene, particularly across Eastern Europe and post-Soviet countries. His work highlights the artistry, storytelling, and cultural variety that define the contest, offering readers a deeper look into both established performers and emerging voices.
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