MALMO, Sweden: The second semifinal of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Sweden on Thursday, with Israel’s performance expected to draw attention due to large pro-Palestinian protests planned in host city Malmo.
Some 100,000 visitors have gathered in Malmo in southern Sweden for the annual kitsch-fest, which is watched by some 200 million people worldwide.
Thursday’s semifinal will feature two of the favorites to win, Switzerland’s Nemo with the song “The Code” and Joost Klein of the Netherlands with the song “Europapa,” as well as outsider Eden Golan of Israel with her song “Hurricane.”
The 68th version of the song contest takes place amid protests and boycotts over the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, has resisted calls for Israel to be excluded but asked Israel to modify the lyrics of its original song “October Rain,” which appeared to reference the Hamas attack.
Tens of thousands are expected at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central Malmo at 1300 GMT on Thursday. A smaller nearby pro-Israel demonstration is scheduled for 1600 GMT.
Gaza-born Swedish student and Palestinian activist Bachar Garar, 23, will protest what he calls double standards, pointing to EBU’s decision to ban Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022.
“After everything that happened, how they’ve treated Russia after what happened in Ukraine, they just choose to turn a blind eye to what’s happening in Gaza. So that’s hypocrisy for us and we’re trying to put an end to it,” he said.
Israeli contestant Golan, 20, says she hopes her performance will help unite people.
“It’s a super important moment for us, especially this year,” she told Reuters in an interview this week. “I feel honored to have the opportunity to be the voice of my country.”
At the first semifinal on Tuesday, thousands of fans in quirky and glittery outfits, many dressed up as their favorite contestant or in their national colors, saw 10 performers, including favorites Croatia and Ukraine, qualify for Saturday’s final.
Swedish authorities have heightened security and are bracing for possible unrest during Eurovision week.
“There are sometimes more police than people in sequins, but overall great fun, we’re having a great time,” said United Kingdom supporter Francesca Gaffey, wearing colorful rhine stones on her forehead, a flower headband and a t-shirt with the Eurovision slogan ‘United by Music’.
Thursday’s semifinal is due to begin at 1900 GMT and will also feature contestants from Malta, Albania, Greece, the Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia, and Norway.
Bookmakers have Croatia, Switzerland, Italy and Ukraine as the favorites to win, while streaming data from Spotify suggests a strong chance for the Netherlands or host nation Sweden.
Israel in spotlight at Eurovision semifinal as pro-Palestinian protests loom
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Israel in spotlight at Eurovision semifinal as pro-Palestinian protests loom
- The 68th version of the song contest takes place amid protests and boycotts over the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel
In the ‘Paris of the Middle East,’ Brigitte Bardot is mourned alongside memories of a golden era
DUBAI: French film legend Brigitte Bardot’s death at age 91 has refocused attention on her life as one of the 20th century’s most captivating cultural icons — and on a remarkable, if brief, moment when her star power intersected with Lebanon’s own golden age.
In March 1967, Bardot arrived in Beirut for a four-day visit that would briefly place the French screen legend at the heart of a Middle Eastern hotspot of glamour and modernity.
At the time, Beirut was celebrated as the “Paris of the Middle East,” known for its luxuriant hotels, lively nightlife and cosmopolitan mix of cultures. Bardot stayed in the city’s famed Phoenicia Hotel, a five-star palace where international celebrities lounged by the pool and rubbed shoulders with jet-set elites. Paparazzi captured her in relaxed celebrity mode by the poolside, emblematic of both her global appeal and Beirut’s vibrant scene.
During her short stay the actress wandered through the old Beirut souk, the bustling marketplace that was then a fusion of merchants selling jewelry, watches, and luxury goods. She visited Assaad Georges Daou, a jeweler celebrated for designing pieces for royalty and film stars alike — a testament to Beirut’s reputation as a fashion and style hub in the region.
Bardot also ventured beyond the capital to Byblos, an ancient Phoenician port city with sparkling sea views and historic ruins. There she strolled the scenic harbor and old souk, sampled local seafood and soaked up seaside leisure that mirrored the relaxed Mediterranean allure she embodied onscreen.
Her departure from Lebanon was part of a Mediterranean cruise; according to some accounts, the voyage was interrupted by mechanical trouble that stranded the vessel briefly at sea, before she continued on her way.
Bardot became a global star after appearing in "And God created Woman" in 1956, and went on to appear in about 50 more movies before giving up acting in 1973.
After retiring from her film career in 1973, Bardot dedicated over four decades to protecting animals, a mission that resonated with animal welfare groups globally, including in Lebanon.
Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA) took to social media to post a heartfelt tribute on social media, announcing her death with "immense sadness" and highlighting her "unwavering commitment" to their mission
“Today, we say goodbye to Brigitte Bardot — a legendary soul whose love for animals reshaped countless lives. From the silver screen to the front lines of animal welfare, she devoted more than four decades to protecting those who cannot speak for themselves,” the post read.
“Through the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, she turned compassion into action and inspired the world to care more deeply, love more fiercely, and stand up for the voiceless. At BETA, we extend our deepest gratitude to Brigitte Bardot and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for their generous support and unwavering commitment. Your kindness strengthened our mission, brought hope where there was despair, and helped save so many precious lives.”
Though brief, Bardot’s 1967 visit left a lasting image of Lebanon as a centre of international style and sophistication.
