Yuval Raphael: From Nova Massacre Survivor to Eurovision

Yuval Raphael, a 24-year-old Israeli singer and survivor of the October 7, 2023, Nova music festival massacre, is representing Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Her participation has sparked both admiration and controversy, with some calling for Israel’s exclusion from the contest due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

A Survivor’s Story

Raphael was attending the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Be’eri when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack, killing over 360 people. She survived by hiding under the bodies of victims in a bomb shelter for eight hours, sustaining shrapnel injuries in the process. Following the attack, Raphael began using music as a form of healing and advocacy. She shared her experience before the United Nations Human Rights Council, detailing the horrors she witnessed during the massacre.

Rise to Eurovision

In January 2025, Raphael won Israel’s national selection competition, “HaKokhav HaBa” (The Next Star), securing her spot as the country’s Eurovision representative. Her performances, including renditions of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall,” captivated audiences and judges alike. She will perform the song “New Day Will Rise,” a trilingual ballad in English, Hebrew, and French, written by Keren Peles.

Controversy and Calls for Exclusion

Despite Raphael’s personal story of resilience, her selection has reignited debates over Israel’s participation in Eurovision.

Broadcasters from Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia have formally requested that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) exclude Israel from the contest, citing the country’s actions in Gaza as incompatible with Eurovision’s values. Additionally, 26 Members of the European Parliament have urged the EBU to reconsider Israel’s inclusion.

The EBU has maintained its stance, emphasising (as it always does) that Eurovision is a non-political event and that Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, meets all membership requirements.

Support and Solidarity

Raphael’s participation has garnered support from various quarters. Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with her ahead of the contest, praising her courage and the message of hope she brings. Furthermore, a group of survivors from the October 7 attack will accompany Raphael to Basel, symbolising resilience and unity.

As the semifinals get near, Raphael’s story continues to ignite discussions about the role of politics in cultural events. She’s scheduled for the second semi-final on May 15, with hopes of advancing to the grand final on May 17.