OGAE (in French: Organisation Generale des Amateurs de l'Eurovision) is the name of the largest Eurovision fan clubs network and has 45 branches around the world.
The first Eurovision Song Contest was held in 1956, although the first club was founded 28 years later, in 1984 in Finland.
The purpose of the international network is first and foremost to create an international home for the fans of the Eurovision Song Contest and to promote the interest of the contest in the media and beyond all over the world. The Israeli club founded in 1986. The main aim was to have a home for all Eurovision fans in Israel and to share information with clubs from different countries. Since then the club has grown and developed and breaking records of memberships every year.
The Israeli club holds several meetings a year and the most important one is the party before the Eurovision Song Contest, where traditionally we host the artist who represents Israel at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. The club also takes part of the network's international competitions and international events under the umbrella of the International organization and helps everybody who wants our help in producing an event, Item, TV show and more, provided there is a connection of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The current OGAE Israel management crew is:
Nir Harel
PresidentBorn in 1977 in Kiryat Motzkin, Israel.
Married to Hila, father of 3 Eurovision fans. Currently living in Modi'in, Israel.
Eurovision For Me Is: An experience and a source of positive energy.
I remember as a child sitting in front of the TV, enjoying the show, and then complain about how no one likes us and we can't win again. And then came Dana International.
My First Competition: 1987.
Favorite Israeli Entry: Diva, Dana International, 1998.
Favorite Song of All Times: Lăutar, Pasha Parfeny, Moldova 2012.
Favorite Winning Entry: Heroes, Måns Zelmerlöw, Sweden 2015.
The Country I Hope Wins Soon: Greece.
A Memorable Experience From OGAE: Meeting Israeli representative in 2019, Kobi Marimi. His good vibes throughout the night and his effort to connect with people, with open arms and patience.
Tal Dorot
Vice-PresidentBorn in 1981 in Ashkelon, Israel.
Living in Tel Aviv with my dog Elliot and my cat Hercules. Freelance film producer.
Eurovision For Me Is: Something that started out as a family-oriented event and became my private obsession. Would record the show on VHS and watch it from beginning to end after school every day. By the age of 10 I could sing full songs in Greek, Swedish and French.
My First Competition: 1991. I have some sporadic memories from earlier years though.
Favorite Israeli Entry: Ha'sheket Sh'nishar, Shiri Maimon, 2005.
Favorite Song of All Times: All Out Of Luck, Selma, Iceland 1999.
Favorite Winning Entry: Toy, Netta, Israel 2018.
The Country I Hope Wins Soon: Armenia. I think they'll be amazing hosts!
A Memorable Experience From OGAE: First OGAE event I went to was in 2015 and Nadav Guedj was a guest. After his performance I got to meet him personally and hang out on the rooftop of the club with him. Was an exciting experience!
Nir Cohen Lahav
Vice-PresidentBorn in 1980 in Be'ersheba, Israel.
Living in Rosh Ha'ain with my husband, Oz.
Eurovision For Me Is: My first love. Back in 1980's Be'ersheba I was enchanted by the competition and it's been my main passion in life ever since.
My First Competition: 1987.
Favorite Israeli Entry: Halayla, Hakol Over Habibi, 1981.
Favorite Song of All Times: Fiumi di Parole, Jalisse, Italy 1997.
Favorite Winning Entry: 1944, Jamala, Ukraine 2016.
The Country I Hope Wins Soon: Iceland.
A Memorable Experience From OGAE: Portugal 2018. OGAE Israel produced the most amazing Eurovision Cruise on the river in Lisbon and it was the best! We didn’t know it would actually be an opening event of a wonderful hosting year for us!