German Education Minister: “Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Is an Antisemitic Act”

German Education Minister: “Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Is an Antisemitic Act”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany reaffirms support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 as Education Minister Karin Prien calls any expulsion “an antisemitic act” contradicting the contest’s spirit of unity and cultural dialogue. Germany continues to firmly support Israel’s participation in the contest. German Education Minister Karin Prien stated today (Thursday) that she strongly opposes Israel’s removal from Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. According to her, excluding Israel because of its government’s actions would be an antisemitic act that undermines the cultural values and dialogue on which the competition is based. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Germany must continue to support Israel’s participation" Karin Prien declared unequivocally: “Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 is a completely antisemitic act. Therefore, I fully agree with Germany’s insistence and its threats regarding Israel’s participation”. Her remarks stand among the strongest diplomatic statements recently made by senior European officials. Prien added: “The values of enlightenment and acceptance require maintaining dialogue and avoiding punishment of artists and creators for their governments’...
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Izhar Cohen Reveals: “I Had a Tumor on My Vocal Cords”

Izhar Cohen Reveals: “I Had a Tumor on My Vocal Cords”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Surgery to remove a tumor, a lifetime achievement award, and his bond with Israeli society: Eurovision winner Izhar Cohen opens up about his health struggles and his contribution to Israeli culture. The Israeli Eurovision icon Izhar Cohen received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Israeli Artists’ Association (EMI) during its annual ceremony. It was a festive recognition of his illustrious career, given at an event where additional artists who made significant contributions to Israeli culture were also honored. The award highlighted that Izhar Cohen is not merely a familiar face in Israeli entertainment but a cultural symbol uniting music with tradition, bridging local art and national representation. His selection for the Lifetime Achievement Award reinforces the notion that veteran creators continue to inspire younger generations. At a time of cultural budget cuts and societal shifts, this recognition carries a strong social and cultural message: art is not just entertainment, but preservation and tribute. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Izhar Cohen Reveals...
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From Eurovision to the Bank: “Espresso Macchiato” Sold to Israeli “Discount” Bank for over €65,000

From Eurovision to the Bank: “Espresso Macchiato” Sold to Israeli “Discount” Bank for over €65,000

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); From the Eurovision stage to commercial breaks: “Espresso Macchiato”, which gained international success, has been sold for use in a new Israeli commercial for Discount Bank starring Rotem Sela — in a deal valued at approximately €65,000. After conquering the stage of Eurovision 2025 in Basel and placing third in the final with the song “Espresso Macchiato”, Estonian singer and rapper Tommy Cash continues to enjoy success — this time in the commercial sphere. Cash has sold the rights to use the song to Discount Bank for about €65,000. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); In recent days, a Hebrew-language version of the song was released as part of Discount’s new campaign for small business owners, starring Rotem Sela, the bank’s regular presenter and co-host of "HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision". The campaign was developed by the Adler Chomski advertising agency, which initiated and purchased the rights to Cash’s original song to use it as the main soundtrack of the advertisement. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...
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Austria Reinforces Its Support for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

Austria Reinforces Its Support for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid a ceasefire and threats of boycotts, Ronald Weissman, CEO of ORF, reiterates its support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, in Vienna, Austria. The CEO of Austria’s national broadcaster, Ronald Weissmann, stated in an interview that “this is a time for diplomacy – both behind the scenes and in the open”. Weissmann, who in recent months emphasized Austria’s national broadcaster ORF support for Israel’s participation in the contest, addressed the threats of withdrawal by several countries should Israel be included: “I expect many nations to take part in the year Eurovision celebrates its 70th anniversary”. He added: “The financial risk is highly manageable. If one or two countries decide not to participate, it’s entirely something we can deal with”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Weissmann’s statements confirm that ORF is likely to maintain its support for Israel despite any potential boycott calls within Eurovision. This position is particularly significant ahead of the upcoming EBU General Assembly in early...
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Luxembourg Government Rejects Boycott of Israel in Eurovision 2026

Luxembourg Government Rejects Boycott of Israel in Eurovision 2026

by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Luxembourg’s parliament confirms the government opposes boycotting Israel from Eurovision 2026, emphasizing cultural unity and separating politics from music ahead of EBU discussions. The Luxembourg national broadcaster RTL revealed on Wednesday that a member of Luxembourg’s parliament raised a formal inquiry regarding Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest. According to RTL, the parliamentary session concluded unequivocally that the Luxembourg government does not support boycotting Israel from Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. Could this be a small hint of the tone that will prevail at the decisive assembly concerning Israel’s future in the contest, or merely brief solace for Eurovision fans united behind the Israeli flag? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Parliamentary Discussion: Luxembourg’s Stance Ben Polidori, a member of the Social Democratic Party, submitted an official parliamentary inquiry asking whether Luxembourg would support boycotting Israel at Eurovision, arguing that Israel might use the contest for "cultural whitewashing" — employing culture to normalize its image. In response, three ministers — Xavier Bettel, Stephen Till, and Gilles...
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EuroLeague Lifts Restrictions on Israel: Could This Signal Its Participation in Eurovision 2026?

EuroLeague Lifts Restrictions on Israel: Could This Signal Its Participation in Eurovision 2026?

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The EuroLeague has tentatively allowed Israeli teams to host games at home again from December 1st, raising hopes for Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation Israeli basketball teams will once again host EuroLeague games in their home arenas starting December 1st, according to a preliminary decision by the EuroLeague’s management. Since the outbreak of the war on October 7th, Israeli teams were forced to host home games abroad due to concerns for players’ safety. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to a report published today (Tuesday) on the Sports Channel, the decision followed extensive efforts by Maccabi Tel Aviv. The management now seeks to monitor the continuation of the ceasefire and receive additional security assurances to ensure the safety of teams and players, though the decision in principle has already been made. The wording of the management’s announcement also inspires optimism: “EuroLeague management and participating clubs welcome the peace initiatives with optimism and hope for the future, believing in basketball’s power...
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After Astonishing Europe – Yuval Raphael Returns to “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”

After Astonishing Europe – Yuval Raphael Returns to “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A year after competing on the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision” and earning the honor of representing Israel in Eurovision 2025, Yuval Raphael returns to the show – this time as a judge. After astonishing Europe, earning a respectable second place at Eurovision 2025, and moving an entire nation, Yuval Raphael comes full circle exactly one year after her first audition — returning to the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”. But this time, she takes on a completely different role: sitting in the judge’s chair. The winner of the upcoming season, set to air in November, will step into Yuval Raphael’s shoes and represent Israel on the grand international stage at Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Yuval Raphael, the winner of the previous season and Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025 in Basel with her stirring ballad “New Day Will Rise”, will join the judging panel as a guest judge. Her...
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Yuval Raphael Releases New Three-Track Mini Album: “22:22”

Yuval Raphael Releases New Three-Track Mini Album: “22:22”

by Maor Heumann Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2025 runner-up and televote winner releases a moving mini-album inspired by her survival story, intertwining spirituality, healing, and hope two years after the Nova tragedy Sometimes, small and seemingly random numbers turn into signs from the universe – sparks of light within a shaken reality. Two years after surviving the horrific Nova festival massacre, and months after winning hearts across Europe at Eurovision, Yuval Raphael returns with her debut mini-album (EP), a work that aims to heal, believe, and embrace the soul. The album includes three songs: “VeMa Itcha” (“And What About You”), “Kama Ahavti” (“How Much I Loved”), and “Yidalek Ha’Or” (“The Light Will Shine”). In two of them – “VeMa Itcha” and “Yidalek Ha’Or” – Raphael also co-wrote the lyrics. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “There isn’t a single day I don’t see the numbers 22:22 appearing somewhere", said Raphael. “It follows me. This small thing keeps my spirit moving forward...
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Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

Eurovision 2026: Debate on Israel’s Participation Postponed to December 4

by Avi Zaikaner Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israel in Eurovision: Discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 postponed to December 4 amid Middle East developments In an official statement sent to members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), it was announced that the discussion regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, which had been moved up to early November, will ultimately take place on its original date – December 4 – as part of the organization’s General Assembly. According to the EBU, this decision was made “in light of the recent developments in the Middle East” and out of a desire to hold “an open discussion with the full participation of all members.” However, the statement does not specify whether an actual vote will take place at that time, raising the possibility that the decision may be postponed – or that the vote may be canceled altogether – depending on the tone and direction of the debate. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); EBU’s Position and Internal...
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“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

“HaKokhav HaBa”: How Is the Production Preparing for a Possible Eurovision Disqualification?

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});   Reports reveal that the production of "HaKokhav HaBa," the Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2026, is preparing for every possible scenario - including a possible elimination from the contest. What is the winner's alternative prize? Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision remains unclear due to countries threatening to withdraw if Israel takes part. Despite this, the popular show "HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision," which is due to select Israel’s representative for the 2026 contest in Vienna, Austria, has already started filming. Recent reports highlight how the show’s producers are preparing for a possible elimination scenario. The season is set to premiere mid-November. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Alternative Prize Planned Should Israel be excluded from Eurovision 2026, the show’s production will award the winner a cash prize of 1 million shekels (about 264,000 Euro), as reported by "Walla Tarbut". This prize was given in past seasons not linked to Eurovision—to Tamir Grinberg and Eliav Zohar. It’s worth...
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