Last week Tel Aviv welcomed more than twenty Eurovision stars to Israel Calling 2017, a promo event meant to share the beautiful face of Israel with the world.

And on Sunday the Eurovision spirit was very much alive during the broadcast of a “The Big Eurovision Chart” — a special charity show in aid of the Pitchon Lev organisation, which works to counter poverty.

Gali Atari and Milk & Honey’s 1979 entry beat out Shir Maimon’s “Hasheket Shenish’ar”, Nadav Guedj’s “Golden Boy”, and Dana International’s “Diva”, which finished second, third and fourth, respectively.

MAKO, one of Israel’s biggest web portals, staged the special poll, which asked readers to choose their favourite Israeli songs at Eurovision. During the show, contestants from “The Next Star For Eurovision 2017” performed covers of each of the songs that made the countdown. They were joined by some very special guests: Gali Atari, Shlomit Aharon (the lead singer of Hakol Over Habibi, who sang “Halayla” at Eurovision 1981) and Hovi Star, Israel’s 2016 representative with “Made of Stars”.

One of the highlights of the show was IMRI’s cover of Måns Zelmerlöw’s “Heroes” (which, funnily enough, Austria’s Nathan Trent has also covered in recent days). The song wasn’t part of the chart, but more of a special treat. IMRI owned it and you can watch it below, along with all the songs in the countdown.

IMRI – “Heroes”

THE ISRAELI EUROVISION CHART

1. “Hallelujah” (Gali Atari and Milk & Honey), 1979.

???? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?-"??????" ???? ???? ??????????? ?????

Posted by ?????? ???? on Sunday, April 9, 2017

 2. “Hasheket Shenish’ar” Shiri Maimon, 2005.

3. “Golden Boy” Nadav Guedj, 2015.

4. “Diva” Dana International, 1998.

5. “A-Ba-Ni-Bi” Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta, 1978.

6. “Happy Birthday” Eden, 1999.

7. “Ey Sham” Ilanit, 1973.

8. “Made of Stars” Hovi Star, 2016.

9. “Milim” Harel Skaat, 2010.

10. “Halayla” Hakol Over Habibi, 1981.

OUR FAVOURITES

What is your favourite Israeli entry at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments box below!

Read more Israel Eurovision news

21 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
aurora
aurora
7 years ago

Israel 1991 – Duo Datz -Kan
Israel 2010 – Harel Skaat – Milim (and english version ”Words”, and french version ”Il restera ses mots”)

lora
lora
7 years ago

Hallelujah abd chai are ny favorites israelis songa of all times , in one word: masterpieces.

Gorniak
Gorniak
7 years ago

Same Heart. No contest.

Rita rocks!
Rita rocks!
7 years ago

Shara Barchevot (1990) was the reason I got into Eurovision in the first place and Rita remains a huge icon in the Middle East. Definitely my favourite although they’ve had some other great entries (1978, 1982, 1983, 1991, 2005, 2015, 2016).

Jonas
Jonas
7 years ago

How great to see Gali Atari looking and sounding so well!

Agreed, definitely an all-time classic, one of my favorites.

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

An all time classic for me is “Diva” of course in 1998! From past entries, I love “Abanibi” in 1978! From 2000 until now, my favourite song has to be “Hasheket Shenish’ar” in 2005! I’m in love with this song!! Also I love “The Fire In Your Eyes” in 2008 and “Milim” in 2010! Especially for “Milim”, it had a “Molitva” effect on me! I don’t speak Hebrew, I couldn’t understand a word but I love it! Israel, please get back to Hebrew at some time! It’s so beautiful! Of course, I still listen to “Golden boy”! Not to mention… Read more »

Neil
Neil
7 years ago

My Favourites from Israel:

1) 2013
2) 1973
3) 2005
4) 2002
5) 1974
6) 1976
7) 1978
8) 1979
9) 1983
10) 1998

M_K
M_K
7 years ago

Another forgotten gem: “Shara barchovot” (1990)

I’m also surprised that Ofra Haza is not on the list!

Zebb
Zebb
7 years ago

I remember 2008 entry as a really good one. Can’t say same about Diva, but at least it miles better than horrible cover that I used to hear as first. I might have check their entries before 2005 some time later, along with croatians…

ak
ak
7 years ago

Got to add: 2 early faves, representing the creative-pop of the 70’s in Israel, are Natati La Khayay from 1974 and Emor Shalom from 1976. Great songs, subtly-humorous presentations. The best!

oscillate
oscillate
7 years ago

Milim will always be my number one Eurovision entry from Israel.

This is closely followed by Hasheket Shenish’ar.

Adam
Adam
7 years ago

I definitely agree, Hallelujah is probably in my top 5 winners of all time. Definitely the best winner from the 20th century, closely followed by Non Ho L’Eta and Insieme!

Eve
Eve
7 years ago

@ (#Diva)/ Oh, yes, ‘Fire in the eyes”, how could I forgot it? Awesome song and singer!
btw, much improvement from Imri, well done.

(#Diva)
(#Diva)
7 years ago

1) 1998 ”Diva”
2) 2008 ”The Fire In Your Eyes”
3) 2017 ”I Feel Alive”
4) 2014 ”Same Heart”
5) 2016 ”Made Of Stars”
6) 2005 ”Hasheket Shenish’ar”
7) 2009 ”There Must Be Another Way”
8) 2013 ”Rak Bishvilo”
9) 2015 ”Golden Boy”
10) 2002 ”Light A Candle”

(#Diva)
(#Diva)
7 years ago

Wow.. Imri is so HOT babe! <3 I want him! <3 😉

Btw, the fantastic song ''Fire In Your Eyes'' (2008)
should had made the cut list too..

Geo
Geo
7 years ago

Wow, IMRI…WOW. I loved his version of “Heroes”, perfect singing. I much prefer his version than Nathan Trent’s…..

Eve
Eve
7 years ago

Ofra Haza ”Chai”? That’s the best Israeli entry for me.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
7 years ago

Very well deserved, also Hasheket Shenish’ar is one of my all-time favorite Eurovision songs. Golden Boy, though… meh, I’d replace it with The Fire in Your Eyes from 2008.

PP
PP
7 years ago

For me TOP 5
1.1991
2.2005
3.1990
4.1983
5.1981

DaNiel
DaNiel
7 years ago

Israel’s recent history (for me):
2010- 35th
2011- 12th
2012- 38th
2013- 22nd
2014- 2nd
2015- 38th (Don’t judge! I just hate it all. I really HATE this song!)
2016- 3rd
2017- 31st

M_K
M_K
7 years ago

I am very surprised that “Happy Birthday” finished so high on that list, I’ve never liked that song. My favourite from Israel ever is actually their first entry (“Ey sham”), but they have had many, many great entries.