Eurovision
Israel's Noam Bettan celebrates qualifying for the grand final, during the first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, on May 12. Photo: AP/Martin Meissner
May 21, 2026, 12:03 pm
United by music, divided by politics
Despite Eurovision’s “United by Music” slogan, politics continues to overshadow Israel’s participation.
By Justin Amler
Israel's Noam Bettan performs during his first rehearsal on the Eurovision stage in Vienna, Austria, May 3, 2026. Photo: Corinne Cumming/EBU
May 18, 2026, 9:23 am
Diamond finish for Bettan
At Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Noam Bettan briefly led the public vote before finishing second as Bulgaria claimed its first win.
By Jessica Abelsohn
Israel's Noam Bettan celebrates qualifying for the grand final, during the first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 12, 2026. (AP/Martin Meissner)
May 13, 2026, 10:51 am
Israel’s Noam Bettan advances to Eurovision final
Two activists reportedly removed from event hall by security after interruptions.
By AMY SPIRO
A Holocaust survivor and his family member sing Chai as part of Koolulam. Photo: screenshot
April 30, 2026, 8:59 am
How Ofra Haza’s Chai became an anthem
Nothing about Ofra Haza's 1983 Eurovision performance was accidental, with Chai still resonating today.
By Jessica Abelsohn
Noam Bettan. Photo: Yael Abas Guisky/Flash90
April 23, 2026, 1:15 pm
Israel’s unshakeable Eurovision legacy
Since Israel joined the Eurovision family in 1973, it has enjoyed a magical run of success, being described as a powerhouse in the competition. Jessica Abelsohn explores the history of Israel's participation.
By Jessica Abelsohn
FILE: Eighties wonder Boy George reunites with Culture Club for a world tour that will stop in Tel Aviv on November 7, 2017 (Courtesy Culture Club website)
April 22, 2026, 11:33 am
Boy George backs Eurovision appearance amid Israel row
Boy George defends Eurovision appearance, cites ‘Jewish friends’ amid Israel backlash.
By AMY SPIRO
Liana Levin. Photo: supplied
July 2, 2025, 11:13 am
Aussie singer honours Bibas family
Liana Levin has sent a moving tribute to Yarden Bibas, a rearrangement of Israel’s 1995 Eurovision entry, Amen, to honour his family, Shiri, Ariel and Kfir.
By Jessica Abelsohn
Israeli singer Yuval Raphael at a Eurovision rehearsal in Basel, Switzerland, May 6, 2025. Photo: Alma Bengtsson/EBU
May 22, 2025, 8:00 am
Events highlight contrast of fear and hope
The country Israel and Am Yisrael have more people on our side than we thought.
By AJN STAFF
Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, representing Israel with the song, 'New Day Will Rise,' walks on the turquoise carpet next to the Basel Town Hall, with protesters' Palestinian flags behind, during the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel on May 11, 2025. Photo: Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP
May 12, 2025, 9:02 am
Yuval Raphael stands strong as Eurovision week kicks off
Israel's Yuval Raphael and her team have been met by protests and threats as Eurovision week begins, with Kan public broadcaster filling a complaint with Swiss police.
By AMY SPIRO, AFP and TOI STAFF
May 7, 2025, 8:39 am
A Nova survivor, Israel’s Eurovision hopeful is ready to ‘give my dreams a chance’
Yuval Raphael, who’ll represent Israel with New Day Will Rise, adopts a carefully apolitical tone ahead of the highly charged contest, saying "I’m 100% focused on my song"
By AMY SPIRO
Mamagama band members, from left, Arif Imanov, Asaf Mishiyev and Hasan Heydar. Photo: Tato Panahi
April 27, 2025, 9:18 am
Azerbaijan is sending a Jewish singer to Eurovision
Asaf Mishiyev, the lead singer of Mamagama, says he never faces antisemitism in Baku and offers support to Israel's Yuval Raphael: "We're proud of her and we hope she will shine".
By AMY SPIRO
Singer Valerie Hamaty performs at the ACUM Awards ceremony for Hebrew Song near Tel Aviv, Sept. 7, 2022. Photo: Tomer Neuberg/Flash90
January 7, 2025, 10:21 am
Breaking boundaries through song
Meet Valerie Hamaty, the Arab Christian leading the race to represent Israel at Eurovision.
Eden Golan during the flag parade before the Eurovision Grand Final. Photo: AP Photo/Martin Meissner
May 16, 2024, 8:00 am
Light in the darkness
In the face of hostility and outright hatred, Golan responded with dignity far beyond her young years.
By Carly Adno
Eden Golan of Israel enters the arena during the flag parade before the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024. (The Times of Israel: AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
May 12, 2024, 9:34 pm
Israel finishes 5th as Switzerland wins Eurovision in Malmo
Israel’s entry receives second-highest public vote after months of activists calling for it to be barred; Irish and Portuguese acts make small pro-Palestinian gestures on screen.
By AMY SPIRO
Daniel Estrin. Photo: Mike Dann
May 25, 2023, 9:38 am
Voyage of a lifetime
Perth-based synth-metal band Voyager was the first group to represent Australia at Eurovision, coming first in their semifinal to progress to the final stage. Jessica Abelsohn spoke to lead singer Daniel Estrin about his journey.
By Jessica Abelsohn
Load More

Enjoy Unlimited Access To The Australian Jewish News Website And All Our Online Content For AUD$18/month Or Just AUD$120/year.

Subscribe Now
Already have an account? Click here to log in