Can Israel pull off back-to-back wins at the Eurovision Song Contest? The Masa Israel NGO is hoping the answer will be yes – with the help of Jews around the world.
Masa, a subsidiary of the Jewish Agency, has launched a campaign urging Diaspora Jewry to vote for Kobi Marimi – Israel’s 2019 contestant – and his song “Home.”
Masa said Monday that more than 150,000 graduates of its wide variety of programming are taking part in their campaign to gather votes for Israel at the Eurovision.
“The initiative to encourage voting for Israel’s song at the Eurovision this year is a great opportunity to experience the strength of the connection between Israel and the Diaspora,” said Liran Avisar Ben-Horin, CEO of Masa, “and the understanding that Jews from around the world see Israel as a home.”
Since Israel won the competition last year, it automatically qualifies for the grand finale. So voting for Marimi and Israel – for song No. 14 – will be an option only during the live finale on Saturday, May 18. Israelis are not allowed to vote for Israel, just as every country cannot vote for its own contestant.
While “Home” has been criticized within Israel, dedicated Eurovision fans have praised it. But the song is still ranked in 25th place in the betting charts; only 26 countries will participate in the grand finale.
“I am moved by Masa’s initiative to promote voting around the world for my song at the Eurovision,” Marimi said, according to Masa. The singer said that, just like Masa graduates, “I’m also an ambassador of Israel these days, before and during the Eurovision. The powerful connection of tens of thousands of young Jews around the world to Israel is a testament to the power we have to do big things together.”