Israeli singer Yuval Raphael took the stage Saturday night in the Eurovision Song Contest final, representing Israel with the song New Day Will Rise as tensions mount outside the venue amid large pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Her performance, filled with emotions, overshadowed some jeers heard from the audience, with Yuval capping it off with a defiant "Am Yisrael Chai."
Raphael, 20, performed fourth out of 26 countries competing at the annual music competition, hosted this year in Basel. As of Saturday, her song was ranked seventh in betting odds. Sweden’s entry, the group KAJ with their song Bara Bada Bastu, has held the top spot in the rankings for several weeks.
About three kilometers from the arena, thousands of demonstrators gathered in protest of Israel’s participation in the contest. Organizers of the rally warned attendees about undercover security officers and urged them not to film or share personal details. Some Israeli fan groups have advised avoiding confrontations and contacting police in case of clashes. Public transportation in the area was reportedly disrupted.
In a message posted on social media ahead of the final, Raphael said the performance was more than a personal milestone.
“Tonight I step onto the final stage and fulfill a huge dream,” she wrote. “But I never imagined I would feel like a messenger, a voice. Something deep and strong and much more meaningful… I feel a sense of responsibility, privilege, and a deep desire to give it my all—for you. The song is yours. You are on this stage with me.”
Raphael’s mother, Liat, also offered words of support: “You deserve this 100 percent,” she said. “You are so precise in representing our people. I’m proud of you.”
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, KAN, flew in a group of Raphael’s friends—survivors of the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack at the Nova music festival—to attend the final. Ten of them traveled to Switzerland, but only six secured tickets. “We’re like family,” one of them said. “We can’t leave anyone behind.” KAN had arranged for the group to attend Friday’s dress rehearsal, but said it was struggling to obtain additional tickets for the final.
Despite the tension, Israel’s delegation expressed confidence in Raphael’s performance following the last round of rehearsals.
“Last night’s jury rehearsal was the best it’s ever been,” delegation head Yoav Tzafir said. “She was perfect. If the judges don’t score her, it’s not about the music anymore.”
Tzafir urged supporters abroad to vote. “Everyone must vote for us 20 times,” he said. “It’s important, and it’s our chance to show who we are.”
First published: 21:46, 05.17.25