Ukraine’s Eurovision entry delights Jerusalem crowd of refugees

Ukraine’s representative for the 2022 Eurovision contest delighted a small crowd of Ukrainian refugees and Jewish immigrants in a Jerusalem performance this week.

Kalush Orchestra has become the bookmakers’ strong favourite to win the contest after being drafted in as the country’s replacement act only a few weeks ago.

The folk-rap group is in Israel to participate in a “mini” Eurovision event in Tel Aviv on Thursday night, as part of the build-up to this year’s contest in Turin next month.

The crowd at a Jerusalem hotel cheered and applauded as the group performed “Stefania”, their Eurovision entry which lead singer Oleh Psiuk says has become an anthem for Ukrainians during the war.

“We are really happy that we have this opportunity to boost the morale of people here,” Psiuk said.

“I really appreciate that so many people have gathered, so many people have come to show their support to the band and for the band to show their support to these people who have gathered.”

After the start of the war in Ukraine, Psiuk stopped performances to run a 20-strong volunteer group, supplying medicines and helping people flee the war.

One of his band members served in the territorial defence unit.

The Israeli organisers of the event said it was the first time the group had come together since the beginning of the war.

Kalush Orchestra replaced Ukraine’s original act, Ukrainian singer Alina Pash, after a row about her 2015 visit to Crimea.

Russia has been banned from the 2022 contest, after Ukraine and European public broadcasters called for them to be expelled.

Israel hosted the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv after Israeli singer Netta Barzilai won in 2018.

Thursday’s mini-contest in Tel Aviv, dubbed “Israel Calling,” will host 23 delegations from Europe.