• Published 20:00 01.12.09
  • Latest update 21:35 01.12.09

Can a Knesset debate improve Israel's Eurovision chances?

MK Miller: Song contest can be used to showcase Israel's artistic side to millions of TV viewers.

By Jonathan Lis Tags: Knesset Israel news

MK Alex Miller (Yisrael Beiteinu) suggested on Tuesday that the Knesset should hold a special parliamentary session to discuss Israel's lack of success in the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years.

"Many European countries participate in the event, which enables Israel to expose its artistic and cultural side to millions of viewers from all over the continent," Miller said.

He added that Israel should not only prepare for the competition by choosing the performers and song, but also by launching a public relations campaign.

Miller said this "could provide answers to the media which supports the competition, and often takes interpretations to the political level."

The lawmaker also lamented the slow pace of the current preparations for the competition, a festival of flamboyant pop and unapologetic kitsch which draws some 100 million TV viewers every year.

"The preparations are proceeding slowly, and this is the perfect time for the Knesset to discuss the issue, to which generous government funds are allocated," he said.

Miller concluded by saying that "a good performance together with good public relations will serve both Israel's artists, but could also be a great opportunity to boost the tourist industry."

The last time Israel won the Eurovision contest was in 1998, when Dana International sand "Viva la Diva." The next Eurovision contest is set to take place in Norway.

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  • 4. 0 0
    Nobody should vote for Israel
    • stella westwell
    • 02.12.09
    • 03:38

    First of all Israel isn't part of Europe (though most of its residents have no historical connection to the Middle East. Most likely the vote will reflect the growing disgust in Europe for Israel's brutality toward the people of Gaza a year ago. What goes around comes around. It's coming around, Israel.

  • 3. 0 0
    A campaign to win
    • Pierre S
    • 01.12.09
    • 23:46

    Eurovision song contest in Norway, the country of Hamsun devotees? Why not follow the normal Israeli inclination when faced with failure: mobilize the IAF and bomb the place.

  • 2. 0 0
    PR campaign needed to win?
    • Marie
    • 01.12.09
    • 22:36

    Can't you win by simply being good? Do you need to launch a public relations campaign in order to persuade other people to vote for you?

  • 1. 0 0
    Here are some singers that WILL win
    • Joey
    • 01.12.09
    • 21:47

    The old shmucks can say what they want, but they can't deny the truth. Today, the world loves contemporary pop. Singers such as: Ifti Roni Duani Shiri Maimon Gilat Hillel are all singers that would reach the podium. Arabic speaking or accent pop does not work. The good style is the style with beats!