Rain or shine Eurovision contestants plant their roots in Israel

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A few weeks before they perform at the Eurovision in Lisbon, Portugal, approximately 30 of this year’s Eurovision Song contestants, including Israel’s Neta Barzilai, planted a tree in the hills of Jerusalem, Israel.

Jessica Mauboy Photo: Facebook

Among them was Australia’s Jessica Mauboy…she spoke to J-Wire.

Video: KKL-JNF

This is the third consecutive year that a delegation of Eurovision contestants have come to Israel to plant a tree in the President’s Forest, where numerous public figures have planted a tree. In this traditional planting event, each participant received a planting certificate saying they planted a tree in Israel with his or her name and the country they are representing in the Eurovision.

KKL-JNF World Chairman, Mr. Daniel Atar: “The traditional planting event with the Eurovision contestants is an excellent opportunity to bridge between cultures, similar to the way different cultures connect in the state Israel. Throughout the years, many leading figures planted a tree in the President’s Forest, so we see this as the ideal location for this event. This is the perfect place to strike new roots with friends from around the world.”

During the ceremony, Galit Gutman who hosted the event, asked the contestants about their experience preparing for the competition. Galit asked Neta about her aspirations for the competition, and if she hopes to win the Eurovision?

Israel’s Eurovision contestant, Neta Barzilai, answered that: “In my opinion i have already won, because I got to inspire so many young women, so many little girls and boys. Of course I would like to win… but my expectation is to inspire as many people around the world as possible.”