Warm welcome
A warm reception in Helsinki
Israeli representatives to 2007 Eurovision competition received by fans, members of local Jewish community and quite a few questions about Ahmadinejad
Members of the Israeli Teapacks band landed in Helsinki Wednesday and received a warm welcome from fans, members of the Jewish community and the foreign press. "Many youngsters carrying blue and white flags were waiting for us at the airport," Israel's representatives said.
The press conference held following the rehearsal went smoothly too. "Israel interests people and our song, with the controversy which surrounded it, intrigues the press," Oz said.
The band's leader, Kobi Oz, managed to amuse Finnish reporters by mentioning the success the Nokia company enjoys in Israel and his love for salmon. Teapacks had their first on-stage rehearsal Thursday: "Rehearsal went great, we feel confident," they said.
Kobi Oz with fans at the Helsinki airport
The video clip that provides a background for the performance was altered at the request of the Eurovision's organizers; the tanks and explosions were replaced with illustrations. "They wanted something less provocative and we agreed," said the Israelis.
Controversy
Merav Yudilovitch and AP
Eurovision Song Contest organizers say song by Teapacks seemingly refers indirectly to Iran's nuclear ambitions and its hard-line leader Ahmadinejad. Lead singer: Song could be about the terror in Russia or Spain, or the violence on the streets of England or London
Security around the band is tight, and yet band members said that they feel safe and excited.
A second rehearsal is scheduled for Saturday ahead of the competition scheduled for Thursday, May 10. Members of Teapacks are particularly excited about the huge party planned for Tuesday under the banner, "Israeli Chutzpa Party," where they will perform songs especially written for the event.
