Israel’s Noam Bettan Advances in Eurovision Song Contest Amid Protests

By Andrew Flanagan

Andrew Flanagan

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Israeli performer Noam Bettan advanced in the annual Eurovision Song Contest as tensions mounted over his country’s participation, with protesters shouting “stop the genocide” and reportedly delaying the beginning of his performance.

Bettan was set to start his performance of the song “Michelle” when several audience members booed and shouted anti-Israel sentiments, while others chanted Bettan’s name in support. Organizers for Eurovision said that a few of the disruptive attendees were removed from the arena, and their shouts were edited out of the performance clip posted by Eurovision online.

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