Israel’s Eden Golan qualifies for Eurovision Grand Final

In the face of mass protests and calls for boycott, Israel’s Eurovision entrant has qualified for the Grand Final of the competition this Saturday. 

Eden Golan, 20, was voted for by members of the public from across Europe in the second Eurovision semi-final on Thursday night. 

Earlier this week, the singer was booed during a dress rehearsal, but said that it wouldn’t deter her from trying to win the competition for her country. 

In a statement following the incident, Golan said she was “proud” to represent Israel, “particularly this year” adding “I am receiving support and love and I am determined to give my best performance tomorrow in the semi-finals and nothing will deter me from that goal!”

Israel’s Kan broadcaster, which coordinates the country’s participation in the contest, said: “[The crowd] did not silence her and they will not silence us. See you tomorrow.”

It was also reported that Golan received extra security from event organisers, and was escorted to the semi-final by security staff. 

Police face pro-Palestinian protesters in central Malmo (Photo by JOHAN NILSSON/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images)TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Ima

Thousands of anti-Israel activists clashed with police as they took to the streets of Malmo to protest Israel’s inclusion in the competition. There have been growing calls for Israel to be removed from the competition, and the inclusion of Golan has seen several LGBT venues in the UK cancel their Eurovision screenings, including the Rio cinema in Dalston.