Noa (L) and Awad perform at Eurovision
צילום: AP
Lawmaker wants Knesset debate on Eurovision
Yisrael Beitenu MK says 'not enough thought put into finding ways of reaching top spots in annual song contest,' adding 'preparations are sluggish'
Knesset Member Alex Miller (Yisrael Beitenu) is demanding that the Knesset hold an urgent meeting on the process in which Israel selects its representative to the annual Eurovision Song Contest, saying "not enough thought is being put into finding ways of reaching the top spots."
Israel's entry in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest finals, which was performed by Jewish-Israeli singer Noa and Arab-Israeli vocalist Mira Awad, finished 16th with 53 points.
"There Must Be Another Way" contained lyrics in English, Hebrew and Arabic.
"The preparations for the Eurovision, if there are any, are sluggish," said MK Miller, adding that the Israel Broadcasting Authority, which selects the songs, must update the Knesset on the rehearsals.
"The Eurovision Song Contest provides an opportunity to showcase the side of the State of Israel that relates to tourism and culture," he said, "Israel's representatives over the past few years have been worthy, but it is clear that not enough thought was given to finding ways of increasing our chances of reaching the top spots.
"We must have a better understanding of who the target audience is at this contest, what are the popular styles of music and who among the Israeli artists has a chance of succeeding," he said.
The Israel Broadcasting Authority said in response that is it making every effort to send a "worthy" Israeli representative to the contest, adding, "With all due respect to MK Miller, it is not the Knesset's job to interfere in the Broadcasting Authority's content."
