Singer Gaida Abu Awad had a strong showing in X-Factor Israel, a reality show whose winner will represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. Yesterday, she was eliminated from the contest. While she will not represent Israel internationally, she has found a place in the hearts of many Israelis with not only her beautiful voice, but also her courage and personal story. She was unique among the contestants in being a member of the Druze community who lives in the Golan Heights.
Abu Awad's Eurovision journey was more than a competition against her peers. She was also facing off against various levels of prejudice, not just from the rest of Israel but also within her Druze community. Many of her neighbors did not approve of a Druze woman singing in Hebrew in front of an audience, let alone representing the State of Israel internationally.