Almost any unexpected noise or movement can trigger Yuval Raphael’s trauma — a lingering effect of surviving the Nova music festival massacre and her heroic escape. So when she walked the turquoise carpet in Basel and a pro-Palestinian protester mimed a throat-slitting gesture, fear wasn’t the only emotion she felt.
“Above all, I felt pride,” she said, her voice occasionally breaking with emotion. “Proud to walk up there with the most beautiful flag in the world. I won’t lie, it was a frightening day at times. Everyone saw what happened.”
‘There was fear. I didn’t know what he was capable of’
How did you feel in that moment?
“There was fear. I didn’t know who he was or what he might do. There were moments of unease but I had my team, thank God, and my mom, who kept reminding me why I’m here — to give the best performance I can and bring honor to our country. That’s what matters.”
In a previous interview, you said that even a simple walk with your dog after the massacre could trigger you. And now again — shouting in Arabic, a throat-slitting gesture.
“This past year I’ve faced a lot on a personal level. I’ve developed tools, with psychologists and on my own, to calm myself in stressful moments — getting used to certain noises or movements. My mom, who’s a psychologist, helped me a lot. But I also do a lot of self-work, talking to myself and in other kinds of therapy.”
What do you mean by 'stressful moments'?
“There’s a wide range. But if we’re talking about the turquoise carpet specifically — yes, there was a protest, and one person in particular, though he wasn’t the only one, made certain gestures. At times it was really scary.
“But it reminded me why I’m here: to spread light and love and to give a great performance. That’s what this competition is about — music, something deeply positive. I’m so grateful to be on this side of things, the loving side. It feels like a huge win to do this as part of my career — for my people.”
There were Palestinian flags around you.
“A lot of them. But I was surrounded by Israeli flags too. We shut the windows so we couldn’t hear exactly what was being shouted. I just sent love — hand hearts to everyone — because there was also so much support in the crowd. So many Israeli flags. So much love. I was thrilled to send it right back.”
‘No matter the rankings — I’m here to give my all’
Raphael is representing Israel at Eurovision during another year of war in Gaza. Last year, Eden Golan’s participation in Malmo, Sweden, was marred by massive pro-Palestinian protests and tension with other delegations. So far, Raphael’s experience has been different.
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Have other delegations approached you? Eden Golan was mostly ignored.
“I briefly met a few artists during the opening ceremony but it was a busy day and everyone was running around to different spots. We haven’t exchanged numbers yet but some smiled and said hello. I’m really looking forward to getting on stage, meeting more artists, connecting and talking music.”
Have you made a first friend?
“The singer of 'Espresso Macchiato' — a song I love — Tommy Cash from Estonia. He came over, said hello, quick handshake. We’re heading into an exciting week and I hope we get a chance to talk more backstage.”
What’s surprised you so far — for better or worse?
“We prepared ourselves mentally for everything, so I wouldn’t say surprised. But the incident on the turquoise carpet was definitely unpleasant.”
Golan didn’t get an opening event, so she first faced protests during her rehearsal. You’ve already experienced it. Does that give you an advantage?
“I felt ready for anything either way. But what keeps me focused is the mindset I’ve repeated to myself for the past three months: I’m here to focus only on my performance. Nothing else will help me deliver the best result. Just staying centered on that and channeling all my energy into it. Remembering why I’m here — to perform well and bring honor to our country.”
How do you feel professionally ahead of the semifinal?
“One of the most emotional moments was stepping on stage and seeing the full set for the first time — performing the song with it. Until then I’d just been rehearsing without it, even mimicking the stair climb in place.
“It was incredible. I felt like I’d won something huge just by being there. Happiness, pride, deep excitement. After the first rehearsal I told the team: ‘I don’t want to leave the stage. I want to stay here and do this all day.’ So yes, I’m very excited.”
You’ve been consistently ranked among the top contenders in betting odds. That must bring pressure — expectations are high back home.
“No matter what, I’m receiving an insane amount of love and support — and nothing strengthens me more. But honestly, it doesn’t matter where I rank or what the odds say. I’m here to give my all, 100%, no matter what the situation is. That’s the mindset of our entire delegation.”
‘Just being here is a victory’
Israeli singer Keren Peles said you’ve already won — just by making it here after surviving what you did.
“I hope the whole country feels like that — feels a sense of victory already. It’s an honor for me. But I’m not here to praise myself.”
You were miraculously saved on October 7. Less than two years later, you’re on Europe’s biggest stage.
“It’s overwhelming, unbelievable in a way, but also — I feel completely ready. And I’ll say it again, because it’s what carries me through all of this: it’s a tremendous honor to be here.”