Tonight's highly anticipated Eurovision second semi-final features sixteen nations battling for ten coveted spots in Saturday's grand final, with Israel's Yuval Raphael drawing worldwide attention as she performs amid protests and threats in Basel, Switzerland.
Ranked fourth in prediction polls with "New Day Will Rise," Raphael faced both antisemitic harassment, including a protester who was arrested after making slaughter gestures toward the Israeli delegation, and overwhelming support as she prepares to take the stage 14th in a diverse lineup that ranges from Australia to Finland.
"Everything we've been working on for months has transformed into reality, and regardless of preparation, it's overwhelming," she shared in an interview with Israel Hayom. "This has been the most enjoyable experience of my life. I savored every moment and never wanted to leave the stage."
Regrettably, as anticipated, the reception for Raphael and the Israeli delegation has proven challenging. Anti-Israeli demonstrations have shadowed the competition's official events, including audience members shouting "free Palestine" during Raphael's rehearsal, and a pro-Palestinian protester made a throat-slitting gesture toward the delegation. Israeli officials immediately filed a police complaint, and the individual was arrested and questioned.
"The turquoise carpet day was difficult. I'd already heard about the protests backstage and understood what I was walking into, but experiencing it firsthand is different," Raphael explained. "I took a deep breath and reminded myself that nobody could be prouder than me to represent this country and wave our flag – I grabbed it and waved it enthusiastically. This is who I am and what I stand for," she told Israel Hayom.
The threatening incident particularly affected Raphael. "It was genuinely frightening – all those gestures, but it reinforced exactly why I'm here and where my heart belongs, and it will enhance my performance."
When asked if she ever questions facing such hostility, particularly as someone who survived the October 7 attack at the Nova music festival, Raphael remained resolute, "No, because we're all still going through this together. I arrived with the most open heart, I maintain that openness, and I came to create music."
While there is still no official confirmation from police regarding the incident, sources within the Jewish community say that the man who made the threatening gesture wasn't a local resident but someone who apparently traveled specifically for the Eurovision events. When asked about this information, Raphael responded, "From my personal perspective, I'm pleased the issue is being addressed. I'm setting aside everything that happens because I have a single objective – to deliver a strong performance."
Despite these challenges, Raphael also experienced significant support. "There was tremendous affection from the audience on the turquoise carpet. People made heart gestures toward me and shouted, 'we love you'."
Wednesday's dress rehearsal provided insights into what viewers can expect tonight. Raphael delivered a compelling performance of "New Day Will Rise," leaving a strong impression on the audience. According to Songfestivalweblog, had the political circumstances been different, this entry might have been a serious contender for the Eurovision crown. As things stand, it's expected to resonate more with the public than with the professional juries, who may take a more cautious approach. Nonetheless, the song was met with enthusiastic applause in the arena, signaling strong audience support and suggesting it could perform well in the televote.
Social media commentary has been notably positive toward Raphael's performance, with multiple TikTok users praising the entry. Videos featuring clips from the rehearsal have garnered thousands of views and supportive comments, showing the audience applauding enthusiastically.
Raphael's message to supporters remains heartfelt, "Just to tell my people that I love them immensely, and there's no one like you in the world. I feel everyone's support, which strengthens both me and our team here tremendously. I have no greater honor than representing them."
