1969 Dutch Eurovision winner Lenny Kuhr moves to Israel – cites antisemitism, family ties

Dutch singer-songwriter Lenny Kuhr, who won the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest, moved to Israel last month with her husband, Robert. The 76-year-old performer said she wanted to be closer to her children and grandchildren, who already live in Israel. She also cited growing antisemitism in the Netherlands and across Europe as a source of concern.

“The situation in Europe is difficult,” Kuhr said. “As a singer, I am experiencing show cancellations and have even received death threats. I want to live in a country that I love, and I look forward to improving my Hebrew, living here with my husband, and being near my daughter.” Kuhr has maintained close ties with Israel for decades. Her family was also directly affected by the war in Gaza, when her grandson was wounded while serving in the Israeli military.

Deganit Sankar-Lange, the director-general of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, welcomed Kuhr when she landed at Ben Gurion International Airport.

“Today, we embrace Lenny warmly and welcome her as she joins the family of olim in Israel,” Sankar-Lange said “After years of moving audiences from the stage, she is now beginning a new chapter here, close to her family. The ministry will continue to support her throughout her journey, helping her settle in and feel at home. Lenny, welcome to Israel.”

Kuhr won Eurovision in 1969 in Madrid, Spain, representing her native Netherlands with her original song "De Troubadour."

The singer has said she faced repeated threats and hostility in recent years because of her support for Israel. In March 2024, anti-Israel activists disrupted one of her performances in Waalwijk, shouting at her from the stage. In May 2026, a Dutch care home abruptly cancelled a concert on her farewell tour over concerns about potential anti-Israel protests.

Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel and the subsequent war. The Dutch government has become increasingly critical of Israel, including calling for its exclusion from international forums.

In December 2025, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS withdrew from Eurovision after Israel’s participation was approved, arguing that Israel’s military actions in Gaza had “crossed a boundary” and could not be reconciled with the organization's "public values."

In 2026, the Netherlands moved to suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement and banned imports from Israeli communities in Judea, Samaria and East Jerusalem, prompting Israel to revoke the accreditation of Dutch diplomats working on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.