Eden Golan broke down in tears after she landed in Israel this morning following the European Song Contest in Sweden.
The contestant suffered a heavy backlash while in Malmo, with pro-Palestine activists protesting her right to compete.
Critics of Israel had demanded the country be banned from Eurovision over its actions in Gaza.
Golan was booed in rehearsals and on the night, and was warned to stay in her hotel room when not performing by Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency.
Eden Golan was in tears as she was welcomed home
Created by huge crowds and cheers upon her return to Israel, Golan burst into tears as she hugged her family.
“It’s a great honour to be here and that I had the opportunity to represent our country, especially in these times,” she said upon landing.
She said she was pleased her song had given a “voice [to] all those that need to be returned home.”
Hamas still holds around 100 captives from the October 7 massacre, with more than 30 thought to be dead.
The singer shared a video on social media of the moment she was reunited with family
Golan also thanked Shin Bet for having looked after her while in Sweden and “returning us home safely”.
“The most important thing is that we felt safe,” she added.
Several protesters in Malmo were detained and taken away by police during the contest this week, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The Eurovision jury spokesperson for Israel was booed before they announced the country had awarded its 12 points to Luxembourg, and a similar noise was heard as Golan performed.
Despite the criticism, Israel finished fifth in the competition.
Switzerland won with 591 points, while Croatia’s Baby Lasagna with catchy and outrageous Rim Tim Tagi Dim was given 547 points and Ukraine’s Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil with the emotional and religious song Teresa & Maria landed on 453 points.
Source Agencies
