LISBON—Israel won the 2018 Eurovision song contest Saturday in Lisbon with its representative Neta Barzilai’s who beat compettors from 25 other countries with her song “Toy.”
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.
“I’m so happy – thank you so much,” said Barzilai when she took the stage after her win. “Thank you so much for choosing difference, thank you so much for accepting differences between us… I love my country, next time in Jerusalem!”
Many countries’ juries gave 12 points – the highest possible – to Israel, including France, Finland, Austria, San Marino and the Czech Republic. Israel also got the most points from the televoters.
Israel gave its 12 points to Austria, followed by 10 to Sweden and 8 to the UK.
This is the fourth time Israel has won the European song contest, with previous victories going to the songs Abanibi in 1978, Helleluyah in 1979, and Diva in 1998.
Saturday’s win means Israel will host next year’s Eurovision competition, an event expected to bring thousands of fans and worldwide exposure to the Jewish state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Neta Barzilay to congratulate her, saying “We love you,” in the name of the nation, also Tweeting, “Neta, you’re a real Kapara. You’ve brought a lot of honor to the State of Israel. Next year in Jerusalem!”
President Reuven Rivlin congratulated Brazilai on Twitter: “We’re proud of you, dear Netta. We’re waiting for everyone next year in Jerusalem!”
Even before her win, Rivlin spoke to Brazilai on the phone. “You’re a talented and wonderful creator, who puts the State of Israel at the forefront of creation in the world, and I want to say thank you for the journey you’ve taken so far. For all of us, you’re a symbol of victory,” he told her. “When you take the stage tonight, remember – you’re not alone for a moment. An entire country is behind you. From Jerusalem, from me and Nechama, I’m sending you a ‘douze points.'”
Israel won despite a campaign with flyers in Lisbon by the Boycott-Disinvestment-Sanctions (BDS) movement calling to boycott the Israeli representative.
