Israelis celebrate in the streets after Eurovision victory

Israel was ranked in second place in the betting charts, but ultimately trounced the other competitors.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
People celebrate the winning of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 by Israel's Netta Barzilai with her song "Toy" , Rabin square in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 13, 2018. (photo credit: REUTERS/CORINNA KERN)
People celebrate the winning of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 by Israel's Netta Barzilai with her song "Toy" , Rabin square in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 13, 2018.
(photo credit: REUTERS/CORINNA KERN)
Thousands of Israelis gathered to celebrate in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square late Saturday night after Israel's Netta Barzilai won the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest final in Lisbon, Portugal.
Israel was ranked in second place in the betting charts, but ultimately trounced the other competitors, taking 529 points overall, to Cyprus's 436, in second place.
Israeli fans celebrate at Rabin square in Tel Aviv Israel, after Israeli singer Netta Barzilai won the Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest 2018, May 13, 2018. (Reuters/Corinna Kern)
Israeli fans celebrate at Rabin square in Tel Aviv Israel, after Israeli singer Netta Barzilai won the Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest 2018, May 13, 2018. (Reuters/Corinna Kern)
Speaking to the Kan public broadcaster after her win, the singer said it proved that "you don't have to look or sound or think like a standard winner... do what you want, do what makes you feel good."
"Netta, you brought a lot of honor to the State of Israel," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on Facebook. "Next year in Jerusalem!"
Israelis celebrate Netta Barzilai's victory at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest at Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, May 13, 2018 (Shoshana Kranish)
Israelis celebrate Netta Barzilai's victory at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest at Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, May 13, 2018 (Shoshana Kranish)
Amy Spiro contributed to this story.