Arts kibbitz Performance Jackie Hajdenberg New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a surprise appearance at a gala for an Israeli first responder group in Manhattan Tuesday night, where he declared “Eden Golan Day” in honor of the Israeli singer who won fifth place at Eurovision last month. Golan also took the stage at the United Hatzalah event to deliver the first U.S.
performance of her song “Hurricane.” The 20-year-old singer — who drew pro-Palestinian protests at the European song contest as well as admiration from fans for her poise in the face of jeers — was in the city to march in Sunday’s pro-Israel parade on Fifth Avenue. “We should all use our talents, and Eden has used hers in a real way,” Adams said.
“And we know you should have won the total contest.” Adams, who marched with Golan at the parade, added, “People told us not to do the Israeli Day Parade. And I said, ‘Not while I’m the mayor.
’ And you came, you marched by us, you showed us.” Golan also received United Hatzalah’s “Hero Award,” and performed two additional songs: “Rise Up” by Andra Day and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” Her performance of both on the Israeli program “Rising Star” — where in one performance she wore a yellow ribbon and was surrounded by empty chairs representing the hostages held captive in Gaza — helped earn her the spot at Eurovision.
In the face of global condemnation of the war in Gaza, Golan has become a symbol of n.
