Eurovision 1979 in Jerusalem: Gali Atari and the legendary “Hallelujah”

Exactly 47 years ago, on March 31, 1979, Jerusalem hosted the 24th Eurovision Song Contest. It took place at the International Convention Center (“Binyanei HaUma”)—the city’s premier congress hall. This marked the first time in history that the contest was held outside of geographical Europe.
The victory was claimed by the Israeli group Milk and Honey with the song “Hallelujah,” featuring lead singer Gali Atari, earning a total of 125 points.

Immediately following the triumph, the song topped the charts in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, and, of course, Israel itself. In the United Kingdom, it firmly established itself in the Top 5, becoming an international hit.

In Israel, its popularity was so immense that on April 1, 1979, journalists even played an April Fool’s prank on the country with news that “Hallelujah” would become the new national anthem, replacing “HaTikvah.”