why is israel in the eurovision s.c.?

[gobshyte]

why is it that israel is in the eurovision song contest when it is not a european country?

[walamob]

so true... but not just israel! there's quite a few other contries that just arent in europe so why are they in a euro comp?? next we'll have the USA in it!

[B00]

According to

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_C ontest

"It should be noted that eligibility to participate is not determined by geographic inclusion within the continent of Europe, despite the "Euro" in "Eurovision" � nor has it anything to do with the European Union. This explains the inclusion of Israel in the Contest, despite its not being a part of geographical or political Europe. In 1980, Morocco � a North African country � participated in the Contest."

[littleoldme]

It's because they are members of the European Broadcasting Union, which runs the event.

[jenstar]

Next on the agenda: why's it called a grapefruit when it's nothing like a grape!?

[THECORBYLOON]

Grapefuit grow in clusters, like a grape, hence the name.

[buckoneton]

Also why do Israel football teams play in the UEFA Champions leaque, I think we should be told !