Israeli singer Eden Golan, who captivated audiences with her third-place Eurovision performance this year, encountered aggressive protests at her recent charity performance in Switzerland, highlighting the growing tensions facing Israeli artists abroad.
The 21-year-old singer, who was performing at a non-political fundraiser for the Israel Museum at Kunsthaus Zürich, was met by angry protesters.
In a particularly disturbing display, one protester blocked the museum's entrance after dousing herself in red paint meant to symbolize blood. Others scattered anti-Israel pamphlets and carried signs condemning the arts event, despite its cultural and charitable nature.
Protest organizers also falsely claimed Golan was an IDF soldier, calling for her arrest in Zurich. "Arrest IDF soldier Eden Golan in Zurich!" they demanded on Instagram, apparently unaware that Golan had actually received a medical exemption from military service.
The incident echoes the security challenges Golan faced during Eurovision, where threats to her safety confined her to her hotel room when not performing. Despite these challenges, she remained resolute, focusing on her message of unity during the Zurich performance.
Swiss authorities, who were present at the scene, made no arrests during the protest, in yet another example of Israeli artists facing hostility abroad, regardless of their personal views or the non-political nature of their work.
It also raises questions about the safety of Israeli performers on the international stage as global tensions continue to rise.
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