Eurovision Winner Lenny Kuhr Makes Aliyah to Israel Amid Rising Antisemitism
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Eurovision-winning Dutch singer Lenny Kuhr immigrated to Israel with her husband, citing rising antisemitism in the Netherlands and a desire to be with her family. Kuhr arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on November 2nd and was welcomed by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. She had previously announced her retirement and intention to leave the Netherlands due to a worsening climate for Jews. Kuhr won Eurovision in 1969 and had faced security concerns at concerts.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Eurovision winner Lenny Kuhr immigrated to Israel with her husband due to rising antisemitism in the Netherlands.
- Kuhr stated she faces canceled performances and death threats in Europe.
- Her children already live in Israel, and she wants to be closer to her daughter.
- The singer announced her retirement from a 58-year career in February 2026.
- Kuhr won the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "De Troubadour."
- Increased security was previously needed at her concerts due to antisemitic fears.
Dutch singer Lenny Kuhr, winner of the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest, has made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel with her husband, Robert. The couple arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday, November 2nd, where they were greeted by representatives from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. Kuhr cited a desire to live closer to her family, whose children already reside in Israel, and a rise in antisemitism in the Netherlands as reasons for her move. "I am very happy to be here. I have been to Israel many times and feel at home here. The situation in Europe is difficult. As a singer, I face canceled performances and even death threats," Kuhr stated upon arrival. She expressed a wish to live in a country she loves, improve her Hebrew, and be near her daughter, who previously immigrated to Israel. Kuhr had announced her intention to leave the Netherlands in February 2026, coinciding with her planned retirement from a 58-year singing career. At that time, she linked the decision partly to a deteriorating atmosphere for Jews in the Netherlands, noting that increased security had been necessary at some of her concerts due to fears of antisemitic incidents. Kuhr, born in Eindhoven in 1950, gained international fame with her 1969 Eurovision victory in Madrid with the song "De Troubadour." That year's contest was unique, with four countries, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, sharing first place. Dganit Sanker-Langa, Director General of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, welcomed Kuhr, remarking that she is beginning a new chapter in life with her family in Israel after decades on stage.