Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 1973


Israel took part at the Eurovision Song Contest 1973, represented by Ilanit with the song "Ey Sham". This entry became the first Israeli entry at Eurovision.

Before Eurovision

In 1972, while Ilanit was in Germany recording as part of the duo Ilat and Ilanit with her partner Shlomo Tzach, the duo received an offer to represent Germany in that year's Eurovision Song Contest.. While considering the proposal, the duo noticed that Israel is eligible to participate and approached the Israel Broadcasting Authority with a proposal that Ilanit would represent Israel. However, by the time the IBA contacted the European Broadcasting Union, the registration period was over. Instead, Ilanit was promised to represent Israel in 1973.

At Eurovision

At the contest the song was performed seventeenth and last. At the close of voting, it had received 97 points, placing 4th in a field of 17, which for the next 20 years held a record for the highest placed debut for a competing country in the contest.

Points awarded to Israel