Israel: KAN states they will not attend Eurovision 2022 in Turin; How has EBU reacted

Israel: KAN states they will not attend Eurovision 2022 in Turin; How has EBU reacted
Tuesday, 12 April 2022

  • The Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, have released a statement according to which they will not attend the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin due to safety reasons. 

    The Israeli broadcaster seems to have decided not to take part in the contes tin Turin due to the strike at the Israeli Minstry of Foreign Affairs which afftects the smooth implementation of the safety protocols for the Israeli delegation.

    Sepcifically, the broadcaster has stated: 

    As of now, due to the Ministry of Foreign affairs strike, that affects the security protocols, the Israeli delegation will not attend the Eurovision in Turin. 

    The problem has to do basically with the lack of safety guarantees by the Israeli safety services GSS which due to the strike at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs they cannot operate the predicted safety protocols. KAN added with a new statement saying: 

    Due to the strike of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the GSS cannot handle the Israeli delegation to the Eurovision Song Contest and, for the time being, the Israeli delegation will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin.

    This means that the Israeli delegation will not travel to Turin. However, it remains unconfirmed whether the country will participate in the 66th edition of the contest remotely via their on-tape live performance. 

     

    EBU's Reaction

    Not long after KAN's morning statement EBU was aware of it and gave a first indications of where things are heading. ESCToday came in contact with EBU which confirmed that they working on it in order to secure Israel's presence in Turin. According to ESCToday's report the EBU answered: 

    We are aware of the statement made by KAN this morning and are in dialogue with them about Israel’s continued participation in this year’s event.

    From EBU's reaction we understand that they are trying to accomodate things in a way that will allow Israel to travel to Turin and participated on regular terms. Hopefully KAN with the contribution of EBU , which shows flexibility in this type of situations, the probelm will be sorted out some way and the Israeli delegate, Michael Ben David will complete as scheduled his Eurovision journey. 

     

    A few words for Michael

    Michael, 25, from Petah Tikva, a city located east from the city of Tel-Aviv. He says of himself that he has an exaggerated and extreme personality despite his suffering as a child with a high-pitched voice, who was told as a child how terrible his voice is. His song is an anthem for self-esteem and respecting yourself as it is. 

    Michael will will perform his song 'I.M' 2nd in  the second semi-final set for May 12 in Turin, Italy.

     

    News Source: ESCToday/ESCToday

    Image: Wiwibloggs

     

     

     

     

AUTHORS

  • Angelos D.

    Angelos D.

    Loyal follower of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1987, I've made the competition one of the stories of my life. After attending as accredited press the event for 13 consecutive years along with the 2017-2024 JESC editions, I also enjoy the last three years sharing more Eurovision music through the Eurofans radio's project.