A man made a threatening gesture, indicating him slitting a throat, as the Israeli delegation to the Eurovision Song Contest participated in the opening events in Switzerland on Sunday. Kan Broadcasting, Israel's public broadcaster and a member of Eurovision, said a complaint was made to the local police.
A protester gestures slitting a throat at Israel's Eurovision Song Contest delegation
(Kan)
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Palestinian protester makes threatening gesture during the Eurovision Song Contest events
(Screenshot )
Members of the Israeli delegation told Ynet that this was a clear threat to commit murder and must not be taken lightly.
The turquoise carpet event officially opened the Eurovision 2025 Song Contest week on Sunday in the Swiss city of Basel, drawing international delegations—and a wave of political protest.
From the start of the event, a large number of Palestinian flags were visible in the crowd, as demonstrators voiced opposition to Israel’s participation in the contest amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Yuval Raphael during the turquoise carpet event
(Video: EBU)
All competing delegations took part in the traditional parade, walking the carpet to the cheers of spectators. Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, appeared alongside the Israeli delegation, waving Israeli flags as her entry, New Day Will Rise, played in the background.
Raphael was accompanied on stage by a close-protection bodyguard who kept watch over the crowd, a precaution not seen with other contestants. The additional security measure highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding Israel’s participation this year.
In addition to the Palestinian flags, numerous protest signs were displayed. One read, “You can’t cheer for apartheid,” while another stated: “Israel, open Gaza’s borders and allow aid in! ‘Their cries of hunger break me more than any war.’”
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Protesters also shouted “Shame on you” at a senior Eurovision production official who was present at the scene.
The first semifinal is set for May 13, followed by the second—featuring Israel—on May 15. The grand final will take place Saturday, May 17. All broadcasts will air on Kan, the Israeli public broadcasting corporation.
First published: 16:58, 05.11.25