Israel agreed to change the controversial lyrics of the Eurovision song

Hints of Hamas attack removed from composition

Israel has agreed to review the lyrics of its potential entry into the Eurovision Song Contest after organizers objected to lyrics that appeared to refer to the Hamas attack on October 7 last year.

The singing competition, which will take place from May 7 to 11 in the Swedish city of Malmo, may disqualify participants who are considered to have violated the rules of political neutrality, The Guardian notes.

The leading Israeli entry is October Rain, a ballad performed by solo artist Eden Golan.

According to lyrics leaked to the media and later confirmed by Israel’s national broadcaster Kan, the song includes lines such as “There’s no air left to breathe” and “They were all good children, every one of them” – apparent references to people who were hiding in shelters as Hamas militants killed and kidnapped people in the open. music festival and other objects that provoked the war in Gaza, writes The Guardian.

Kan says it has asked the writers of October Rain and runner-up Dance Forever to revise their lyrics while maintaining their creative freedom. They will then officially select the song to send to the Eurovision committee.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision and has previously said it was in the process of thoroughly reviewing the lyrics, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the broadcaster’s decision.

The Israeli broadcaster said it agreed to make the changes after a request from the country’s President Isaac Herzog.

“The President emphasized that especially at this time, when those who hate us seek to push aside the State of Israel and boycott it at all stages, Israel must sound proud and hold its head high and raise its flag at every world forum, especially this year ”, notes the broadcaster.