Israel to change lyrics of October Rain for Eurovision after being barred from contest

Ahead of this year’s Eurovision competition, Israel’s public broadcaster is reconsidering its position on lyrics of the song that they intend to send for this year.

Israel’s public broadcaster will soon be asking those involved with the making of the song to tweak the lyrics of their song titled “October Rain”.

This comes after Eurovision barred the song last week for breaking rules on political neutrality. The said song is by artist Eden Golan and is called October Rain. The Israeli song, as the name suggests, contains references to the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel.

October Rain barred from Eurovision

This song didn’t sit well with the organisers of Eurovision contest.

After it was barred from becoming a legal entry from Israel, the Israeli broadcaster Kan, which determined which song would enter Eurovision, pledged to not make any altercations of the lyrics. However, Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for “necessary adjustments” to ensure Israel can enter the show.

President Herzog emphasized that this move comes “precisely at a time when those who hate us are seeking to repress and boycott the State of Israel,” and that the country “must raise its voice” in international forums.