Eurovision 2025: Israel’s Yuval Raphael Braces for Backlash as Controversy Surrounds Competition
Despite calls for a boycott, Israel is set to take part in the 2025 edition of Eurovision, with Yuval Raphael representing the country with her song ‘New Day Will Rise’. Raphael, a survivor of the Nova Music Festival attack on 7 October 2023, which claimed the lives of 378 individuals, has spoken out about the anticipated backlash during her performance.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Raphael revealed that she has been practising performing with distractions, including booing, in the run-up to the finale. "Yeah, I think I’m expecting it," she said. "But we’re here to sing and I’m going to sing my heart out to everyone." Raphael added that she has had rehearsals where sounds of booing have been played in the background to help her prepare for the potential backlash.
The expectation of controversy during Raphael’s performance comes after Israeli singer Eden Golan was booed during last year’s competition. Additionally, over 70 former Eurovision contestants have called for Israel and its national broadcaster KAN to be banned from this year’s Eurovision. The letter, which can be read in full on Artists For Palestine UK’s website, urges the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to exclude KAN from the competition, citing its alleged complicity in Israel’s actions in Gaza and its treatment of Palestinians.
Raphael, however, remains focused on her performance and the message she hopes to convey. "Everybody has opinions," she said. "I’m really putting everything aside and just concentrating on the most important thing. The slogan this year is ‘united by music’ and that’s what we are here for." She added that it was "scary at times, even uncomfortable, but it makes me keep reminding myself why I’m here and my agenda, which is spreading as much love as I can and bringing pride to my country."
The controversy surrounding Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision has sparked heated debate, with many calling for the country’s exclusion from the competition. According to a letter signed by over 70 former Eurovision contestants, KAN is complicit in Israel’s actions in Gaza and its treatment of Palestinians. The letter states: "By continuing to platform the representation of the Israeli state, the EBU is normalising and whitewashing its crimes. The EBU has already demonstrated that it is capable of taking measures, as in 2022, when it expelled Russia from the competition. We don’t accept this double standard regarding Israel."
The grand final of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday 17 May, with the semi-finals taking place on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May. As the competition approaches, it remains to be seen how the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation will unfold.
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest has been surrounded by controversy, with many questioning Israel’s participation in the competition. According to Euronews, Raphael’s performance is expected to be met with boos from some audience members. However, the singer remains committed to her message of love and unity.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has yet to comment on the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision. However, Euronews reports that the EBU has previously stated that it is committed to ensuring that all contestants are treated fairly and with respect.
In an interview with the BBC, Raphael discussed her preparations for the competition and her expectations for the performance. "I had a few rehearsals where we put sounds (in), so I can practice when there are distractions in the background," she said.
The debate surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision highlights the complexities of using art and entertainment as a means of promoting unity and understanding. As Euronews reports, the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in the competition has sparked heated debate, with many questioning the role of politics in the competition.
Sources:
- Euronews: Eurovision’s Israel contestant Yuval Raphael expecting booing during this year’s competition
- BBC: BBC News
- Artists For Palestine UK: Artists For Palestine UK
