Arab Christian Singer Valerie Hamaty Leads Race to Represent Israel at Eurovision

Hamaty's journey on 'Rising Star' highlights cultural divides and unity during a time of national tension in Israel.

Valerie Hamaty, an Arab Christian from Jaffa, is a frontrunner on Israel's 'Rising Star,' the competition that selects the country's Eurovision representative.
Hamaty has gained attention for her performances of iconic Israeli songs, including a duet with a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attacks, but her rise has drawn mixed reactions across communities.
Her candidacy has been celebrated by some as a symbol of Israel's diversity, while others question whether a non-Jewish artist should represent the nation on the global stage.
Hamaty has chosen not to sing in Arabic at Eurovision, emphasizing that her presence as an Arab contestant already conveys a message of inclusion and multiculturalism.
Her family and supporters highlight her efforts to bridge divides, including visits to wounded soldiers and families of victims, while also confronting criticism from both Arab and Jewish communities.