Faith in the Israeli light

One of the moments I expect the most every ESC season is the selection of the Israeli song. I don't know why, but I admit I have a weakness for their entries (of course, as every person who can claim to have at least a little bit of good taste, I hated Push the Button), and almost every year I root for them and hope for us to have another year in Jerusalem. However, the four songs with which IBA, the Israeli broadcaster, has presented us are nothing to be excited about. True, there is one exceptional song (I'm sorry to say I don't think it'll get chosen) and three plain good songs.

When I read that Noa and Mira Awad would be in charge of the Israeli entry this year, I got really excited; not only because they have amazing voices, but also because we would have a Jewish and an Arab on stage singing for Israel. This surely would send a peace message, and people might just appreciate the coming-together gesture, which with a good song might have translated in victory for Israel. After I heard the songs, as I've said, I conclude it probably won't be Jerusalem 2010, but it'll surely be lovely to watch Israelis and Arabs not fighting, but together, embracing each other, singing to the world that they can actually raise their voices together claiming for long-awaited peace; here are my thoughts on the Israeli candidates:

Faith in the Light: oh my God!!! the lyrics of this song (at least the English bit) are one of the most beautiful things I've heard in my life! The voice combination of Noa and Mira works to perfection, and they really came up with a song which is peace-inspiring... which in the end, is kind of the message of them singing together. Personally, I'd send this one to Moscow, I think it might just do the trick and get them a good result. This one probably won't be backed up by the televote, but I'm praying for the jury to recognize quality and give this one a shot!

Second chance: it's also beautiful, but lacks something. I don't think this one would stand a chance in Moscow, probably wouldn't even qualify to the final. Again, the vocal combination is rather inspiring, but the overall impact of the song is not as good as Faith in the Light.

There must be another way: this one I kind of like too. But I think it's the love-or-hate kind of song which could be really dangerous turf in ESC. If I had to choose, I'd place this one in third position, obviously failing to qualify, but is one that I'm going to keep playing for a long time.

Will you dance with me? Well, this seems to be the one most people are backing up. It's charming, yet I don't see it as Israeli entry. It sounds more as a Belgian one (and I must say, one of those that normally sink in ESC). I'm pretty sure this is the one that will be chosen, and from now I'm telling the Israeli public: it's a mistake... when May comes, if it fails to qualify, remember I wrote this (ok, I got a little carried away here, I just don't want this one to get picked!!!)

Monday will see Kdam Eurovision 2009 take place, and thus give us a new entry for ESC 2009. I'm sure it'll be a nice show, and I'm hoping for a smart decision of the Israeli public. If they don't, I'm hoping the jury will have the wisdom to do so. Anyway, I might once again just back up the Israeli entry to keep the tradition.