The largest-ever Eurovision promo event took place earlier this week at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, showcasing artists from 27 countries in a free outdoor concert for a crowd of thousands.

It’s the third consecutive year that the organization Israel Calling has taken Eurovision Song Contest contestants on a pre-show tour of Israel.

The 2018 group included journalists from various European countries and of course Israel’s own Netta Barzilai, who will perform “Toy” in the first half of Eurovision Semi-Final 1 on May 8 in Lisbon.

In all, songsters from 43 countries will compete.

“The Eurovision is not just a song contest; it’s a cultural phenomenon, promoting tolerance, open-mindedness, respect for one another and a love for humankind. The Eurovision holds a special place in the heart of many Israelis; the song contest is a night where we put our differences aside and share a feeling of pride,” said Ron Huldai, mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

During their travels around the Israel, contestants from countries including Belgium, Australia, Great Britain, Montenegro, Spain, France, Czech Republic, Ireland and Serbia, among others, planted trees in Kayemet L’Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF)’s President’s Forest in Tzora. All participants received a planting certificate with their name and the country they are representing in Eurovision.

The four-day Israel Calling tour, initiated and produced by Tali Eshkoli, was sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, the Jewish National Fund and the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

“I am happy that we have such a wonderful opportunity to show the beauty of Israel to the artists, and to celebrate Eurovision together that will promote each and every one of the artists in front of potential Israeli voters,” Eshkoli said.

(via Israel21c)

[Photo: Eurovision Song Contest /  YouTube ]