Swedes, Belgians told not to vote for Israel in Eurovision

Ha'aretz ^ | May 26 2002

[knighthawk]

The Belgian and Swedish Jewish communities were left fuming Saturday night after their local TV presenters advised viewers not to vote for Israel's entry in the Eurovision song contest, held in the Estonian capital of Tallinn. Israel's entry, "Light a Candle," was sung by Sarit Hadad.

Swedes watching the national TV1 station said that the presenters announced before Hadad appeared that Israel was not even meant to take part in the contest "because of what it is doing to the Palestinians."

The Swedish jury did not award any points to Israel. Belgian viewers were also advised not to vote for Israel. Its jury however awarded Hadad two points.

Announcers on Flemish TV told their viewers not to be duped into thinking that Hadad's white dress meant that Israel wanted peace, Israel Radio reported Sunday.

Hadad finished 12th with 37 points. The Latvian song "I Wanna" won the song contest.

Due to the Israeli song's ranking, Israel will participate in next year's contest, to be held in Latvia.

Yoav Ginai, who wrote the lyrics for the Israeli song, told Israel Radio that the delegation was very pleased with the result. "This is a great achievement in light of the difficult situation, and the political nature of the vote," Ginai told the radio.

The Israeli delegation, he said, encountered anti-Israel remarks during their week-long stay in Tallin. "We heard very unpleasant remarks at the hotel and during rehearsals," Ginai said.

The Swedish ambassador to Israel told Army Radio on Sunday that he doubted the reports regarding TV1, but that if the presenters had made anti-Israel comments, they were expressing a "personal" position and not that held by the government.

Sarit Hadad singing in the Eurovision song contest Saturday, where she placed 12th

[knighthawk]

I am so proud of my fellow Europeans in the way they show support to a terrorists-led regime called the PA. Israel needs to be punished in all ways, and the PA needs to be rewarded for their contribution in terrorism.

[knighthawk]

Ping

[FreedomPoster]

The obvious question on the minds of many FReepers is/will be "do you have any more pictures of Ms. Hadad?" It seems obvious she should have placed better in the competition, if not won it outright.

Seriously, the moral bankruptcy of many in Europe on this issue is astounding. I guess it will take more gang rapes and some European suicide-homicide bombings by Islamists before they will begin to awaken.

[FreedomPoster]

And just to clarify, by "this issue", I mean anti-Jew/anti-Israel leanings, while favoring Islamists who are as anti-Western Civilization as anyone to come down the pike in a long time. Not just the issue of this little popularity contest.

[Lion's Cub]

I assume that's a Belgian waffle?

[kennyo]

I think we should start a movement to have Israel join NATO.That'd piss 'em off!

[Shermy]

Belgium seems to have all sorts of connections to reflexively anti-Israeli positions. Has the establishment been bought out by Arab money?

[Alouette]

Israel should boycott (should I say girlcott?) the Eurovision. Isn't the Eurovision like the American MTV, only more freakish? If so why would anybody who is normal want to participate?

[monkeywrench]

Either that, or worried about the islamic 5th column throughout europe.

[Young Werther]

May be! But that's definitely a US car manufacturer!

[knighthawk]

The Belgians are the laughing stock of the Netherlands and the only people driving Volvo are either 70 years old or they drive a Volvo because it's safe. Not for other people, but when they cause an accident, they are safe.

[knighthawk]

We in the Netherlands always laugh at Belgians for them being backwards. Maybe time stands still there and they weren't liberated from German occupation yet. Hence their anti-Jewish attitude.

[knighthawk]

I agree. I hate the Eurosongfestival. They music is mostly awfull. I'd rather watch the fish-tank at Leo's pet shop.

[sheik yerbouty]

They should be rewarded with the proverbial hot lead enema!

[Governor StrangeReno]

lets see Germany,99 red luft baloons,Sweden,Abba,Belgium,polka?,France,Plastic Bertrand,Finland,yodelling?moose calls?...Europeans cant rock for shit anyways,wouldn't be too upset about loosing a talent quest there.

[Governor StrangeReno]

Sorry forgot 'freaky bitch' from Iceland

[knighthawk]

Yodeling and moose calls, LOL!