Livni comforts Dana International

Opposition chairwoman telephones Israel's representative to 2011 Eurovision following her failure to reach song contest's final. 'You're doing wonderful things for Israel,' she tells her

Reuters | Published: 05.16.11, 13:33

Despite her failure to reach the 2011 Eurovision final, Israeli representative Dana International has been receiving a lot of encouragement in the past few days.

One of the people to protest the European song contest's results was French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Another phone call was received Sunday evening from Opposition Chairwoman and former Foreign Minister Tizpi Livni.

Dana in Dusseldorf. Moved by compliments (Photo: EBU)

"I wanted to tell you in person that you were wonderful and gave an excellent performance on stage," Livni told Dana. "You mustn't feel responsible for Israel's situation in the world today or blame yourself for the results."

The opposition leader added that she was very proud of Dana's performance in the world. "You are a great ambassador and you're doing wonderful things for Israel," she told her.

Dana, who did not receive a similar phone call when she won the 1998 Eurovision, not even from then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was moved by Livni's compliments.

"Regardless of any political opinions, Tzipi proved to be a sensitive and sincere woman," Dana told Ynet. "In such moments, when my spirits are now very high, it's encouraging to receive a phone call from such a woman."

Saturday's contest in Dusseldorf was won by Azerbaijan, which beat 23 other finalists to secure their nation's first-ever win in the annual European event.

Nigar Jamal and Eldar Gasimov, who go by the name Ell/Nikki, won 220 points for their classic pop ballad with a catchy refrain, "Running Scared," meaning next year's songfest will be hosted in Baku.