Over 50,000 crowd Rabin Square to celebrate with Eurovision winner
Tens of thousands throng Rabin Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate Israel's win at the Eurovision Song Contest with winner Netta Barzilai; 'I love you, you are my second family,' she tells audience, who cheered as she performed 'Toy' twice.
Tens of thousands of Israelis crowded into Rabin Square in Tel Aviv Monday night to celebrate with Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai.
"I am proud of you, you are my second family, I love you," Barzilai told the thousands who came to celebrate her winning the Eurovision Song Contest Saturday night.
The event was presided by radio anchor Eliko—who took part in the Israeli judging panel of the competition this year—and the winning song writer Doron Medalie, alongside a sign language interpreter.
Netta performed her song, “Toy,” twice: once as a solo, and again together with the audience and her crew onstage.
DJ Dalit Rechester opened the evening with a series of Hebrew classics. Singer Avi Toledano was the first performer of the evening and he was followed by Orna and Moshe Datz, who represented Israel in the 1991 Eurovision. Gali Atari, the 1978 Eurovision winner, sang a minimalist version of her hit “Hallelujah” accompanied by a piano and the crowd.
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai introduced Netta and called her up to the stage; he also presented her with a gift on behalf of the city: a towel with the words “Tel Aviv Loves Netta” embroidered on it.
After Netta performed “Toy,” Yizhar Cohen and DJ Dalit closed the evening with a series of popular hits.
