Overview
- Yuval Raphael, representing Israel at Eurovision 2025, will perform in the grand final in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday night.
- Raphael, a survivor of the 2023 Hamas attack on the Nova music festival, emerged as a national figure after winning Israel's HaKokhav HaBa talent show in 2024.
- Her song 'New Day Will Rise,' performed in English, French, and Hebrew, emphasizes themes of resilience and hope.
- Protests have erupted over Israel’s participation, including an open letter signed by over 70 former Eurovision contestants calling for the country's removal from the competition.
- The European Broadcasting Union has reiterated its apolitical stance, rejecting calls to exclude Israel and emphasizing Eurovision as a platform for cultural unity through music.