Hamas assault survivor, Yuval Raphael, is now representing Israel in Eurovision contest
Rewritten Article:
Host:Time for Eurovision! This year's extravaganza takes place in Switzerland, winding down tonight with a high-energy finale in Basel. Known as the world's largest song competition, contestants from a whopping 37 countries across Europe and beyond are ready to compete, with Israel included in the mix. NPR's Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv about the ongoing tension in Gaza and its influence on the music contest.
Estrin:Israel's Eurovision tune for 2025, titled "New Day Will Rise," resonates with many Israelis' hopes for a brighter future.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "NEW DAY WILL RISE")
YUVAL RAPHAEL: (Singing) New day will rise. Life will go on. Everyone cries. Don't cry alone. Darkness will fade.
Estrin:Singer Yuval Raphael, whose vibrant voice lends itself to this powerful piece, has a personal story. She addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council back in January.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
RAPHAEL: Mr. President, my name is Yuval Raphael, and I'm a 24-year-old survivor of October 7 massacre.
Estrin:On that fateful day, Raphael found herself at the Nova Music Festival when Hamas invaded southern Israel. The catastrophe marked the single deadliest Hamas attack that day, claiming 378 lives at the festival alone. Raphael and around 50 others hid in a cramped shelter, escaping death by playing dead and enduring relentless gunfire[5].
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
RAPHAEL: Only I and 10 others were saved from our 4-square-meter shelter, a shelter that had become the tomb for almost 40 souls seeking refuge with us. The physical injuries I sustained are healing, but the mental scars will stay with me forever.
Estrin:Now, Raphael is at the center of a tempest over the ongoing war in Gaza. Many past competitors and some European public broadcasters have demanded that Israel be ousted from the contest. Raphael soldiered on, but the European Broadcast Union (EBU), which governs Eurovision, called for discussions about Israel's potential future participation. Charity Oxfam aired this advertisement in Belgium, opposing Israel's involvement.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: I speak up for Palestine.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: I speak up for Palestine.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: I speak up for Palestine.
Estrin:In the spirit of neutrality, organizers permitted spectators to showcase flags from non-competing territories, such as the Palestinian flag. However, they may not display those flags on stage.
This isn't the first time Israel has faced a hostile atmosphere around Eurovision. Last year's contestant was shielded by Israeli intelligence agents, wearing a blonde wig during the week of the contest to maintain anonymity, and was booed relentlessly during her performance[6]. Yoav Tzafir, the delegation director, has prepared Raphael for the potential backlash.
YOAV TZAFIR: I gave her a boo recording, and she started driving her car with singing the song and playing the boo. So she's been practicing for two months - I'm not jesting - to sing with booing because if she practices it, it won't bother her.
Estrin:The 2025 Eurovision contest is set to take place in Switzerland, a country renowned for its neutrality. According to William Lee Adams, founder of a popular Eurovision blog, the atmosphere is calmer compared to last year, with people willing to discuss political issues in a civil manner. Here's hoping Raphael faces less opposition on stage, not only to ease her own discomfort but also to keep the contest's spirit intact.
(SOUNDBITE OF PONCHO SANCHEZ AND TERENCE BLANCHARD'S "SIBONEY")
Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
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[1] Enrichment Data: This article discusses events related to Eurovision 2025 as opposed to 2023. The controversy surrounding Israel's participation, protests, sound manipulation allegations, ongoing humanitarian concerns, and broader geopolitical impact are key elements of this situation.
- Despite the ongoing tension in Gaza impacting some aspects of the contest, Israel's Eurovision entry for 2025, titled "New Day Will Rise," continues to resonate with the hopes of many Israelis for a brighter future.
- The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which governs Eurovision, has called for discussions about Israel's potential future participation due to the ongoing war in Gaza and the protests from past competitors and some European public broadcasters.
- Amid the political controversy and potential backlash, organizers have permitted spectators to showcase flags from non-competing territories, such as the Palestinian flag, during the 2025 Eurovision contest in Switzerland, a country known for its neutrality.
