Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, has already emerged as a powerful symbol of resilience. He emerged victorious from a terrifying ordeal at the Nova festival. On October 7, 2023, Raphael was visiting the arts festival. Suddenly, Hamas militants stormed their venue, exposing her—and many others—to mortal danger. Amidst the chaos, she survived by hiding under a pile of deceased individuals for eight agonizing hours until rescuers arrived. This traumatic experience became the turning point of her life and career.
Raphael was one of just 11 surviving persons from an estimated 3,500 people at the Nova festival. The experience of the attack—particularly its aftermath—fueled her desire to find her voice, and she began working toward a professional career in music. Now, she’s about to sing her song, “New Day Will Rise,” live on stage at the Eurovision semi-final. This is a place she never dreamed she would make it to!
Despite her extraordinary story, Raphael’s involvement in Eurovision is not without considerable obstacles. She still has shrapnel in her leg from that attack, a physical reminder of the horror she lived through. Her performance ignited widespread protests and controversy. We applaud the Israeli broadcasting delegation for speaking out. Their complaints to the police and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) were prompted when one pro-Palestinian protester tried to cut their throats with a gesture and spat on them.
Meanwhile, Israel’s National Security Council has sent a warning to fans attending the Eurovision Song Contest. They recommend refraining from wearing Jewish or Israeli symbols due to the risk of aggression. Raphael herself is clearly getting ready for an audience that will be hostile at best. In the past few weeks, some past Eurovision participants have voiced their support for Israel’s expulsion from the contest.
Raphael pictured herself at the time of the assailants’ onslaught. She described the choking moment when, through all the confusion, she was able to get her father on the phone.
“Dad, lots of people are dead. Send the police here. Please dad, send the police, it’s urgent… they’re crushing me.” – Yuval Raphael
While the emotional impact of the attack lingers, she’s left to deal with the effects of that attack every day still.
“Yuvali my daughter. Yuvali, breathe deep. Hide. Play dead.” – Yuval Raphael’s father
Overwhelmed by the challenges, Raphael has clearly resolved to look on the bright side. Through her performance, she reinforced her dedication to breaking down the barrier between genres, cultures, and people that this year’s Eurovision theme of unity represents.
“It’s something I deal with every day.” – Yuval Raphael
As she prepares for her performance at Eurovision, Raphael expresses a sense of gratitude for life and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“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.” – Yuval Raphael
As she prepares for her performance at Eurovision, Raphael expresses a sense of gratitude for life and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“I wished for myself to be happy and to really understand the gift that I had been given, and that’s to live.” – Yuval Raphael
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