Israel's Eurovision story: Boos, ballads, and breaking up with Europe (Part 2)

A little Israeli boy from a poor Yemenite family grew up, transitioned, and became the most scandalous, fabulous Eurovision winner in history: meet Dana International. In part 2 of our Eurovision series, the story continues through PingPong's Syrian-boyfriend fever dream, Netta's chicken-noise feminist anthem, and the raw, post-October 7th performances of Eden Golan, Yuval Raphael, and Noam Bettan. Even with low jury scores and boycotts, Israeli songs keep winning the public's heart. Eurovision was never about the trophy. It's about the power to sing your own story, boos and all.

Unpacking Israeli History is hosted by Noam Weissman. It's produced by Rivky Stern. This episode was written by Adi Elbaz and edited by Rob Pera.

Special thanks to Tzvi Joffre for researching the episode.

Click here for links and sources:

⁠Watch: Teapacks - Push The Button (LIVE) | Israel | Semi-Final | Eurovision 2007⁠ (mentioned in the episode).

This episode is sponsored by Friedkin Philanthropies and the Koret Foundation, and is inspired by ISRAEL 21c If you want to sponsor an episode of Unpacking Israeli History, or if you just want to say what’s up, email ⁠noam@unpacked.media⁠.

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