BASEL, Switzerland — On Thursday night, 24-year-old Israeli singer Yuval Raphael stood under the bright lights of Basel’s St. Jakobs Halle arena and poured her heart into “New Day Will Rise,” a ballad of hope and healing. Her powerful performance in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025’s second semi-final earned Israel a coveted spot in Saturday’s grand final, leaving audiences moved and marking a moment of resilience for the young artist. Yuval’s song, written by Keren Peles, carries the weight of her survival of the October 7, 2023, Nova music festival massacre.
Her performance, delivered with raw emotion, struck a chord with many in the crowd, though it also drew attention from a small group of protesters who were swiftly escorted out. Despite the interruptions, Yuval finished to warm applause, a testament to her ability to connect through music in a tense atmosphere. The semi-final featured Yuval as the 14th act, her voice soaring through lyrics that weave personal strength with a universal call for better days.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs Eurovision, confirmed Israel’s qualification among the top performers, though vote totals won’t be released until after the grand final. For Yuval, a singer who turned to music to process trauma, the moment was deeply personal. This year’s Eurovision, hosted in Basel, has been a balancing act of celebration and controversy. Israel’s participation has sparked protests, with a brief disruption during Yuval’s rehearsal on Thursday when six individuals with whistles were removed. Outside the venue, demonstrators voiced concerns over the Israel-Palestine conflict, while inside, security teams worked to keep the focus on the music.
The EBU issued a statement emphasizing its mission: “We’re here to bring people together through song, and we’re ensuring every artist, including Ms. Raphael, can perform safely.” Yuval spoke candidly before her performance, aware of her challenges. “I know there might be boos, but I’m here to sing for my country and share something real,” she told reporters. “This stage is my way to reach hearts, no matter what’s happening around me.” Her words captured a quiet determination that resonated with fans and fellow performers alike. Israel’s journey in Eurovision has long been a lightning rod for debate, and 2025 is no exception. Some activists have called for a boycott, citing ongoing regional conflicts, while others see Yuval’s participation as a symbol of cultural endurance.
On social media platforms, reactions ranged from praise for her vocal power to criticism of the EBU, with some claiming the broadcast muted audience boos—a charge the EBU has not addressed. Outlets like The BBC and The Independent noted the polarized responses, reflecting the event’s complex backdrop. In Israel, Yuval’s success has sparked pride. Kan, the nation’s public broadcaster, hailed her achievement: “Yuval’s voice carries our spirit. Her place in the final is a victory for hope.”
In Basel, the crowd’s reaction was mixed but leaned supportive, with Israel Hayom reporting cheers that filled the arena after her final note. Yuval’s advancement to the grand final, where she’ll perform fourth among 26 acts, including Greece and Lithuania, is more than a musical milestone. It’s a chance for Israel to share a story of perseverance on a global stage, though it comes with the risk of further protests.
Basel authorities have promised tighter security for Saturday’s event, expected to draw millions of viewers. As Yuval prepares for the final, her focus remains on the music. Her performance will be a closely watched moment, both for its artistry and its ability to navigate a divided audience. Can her ballad cut through the noise and unite listeners, even briefly? That question lingers as Eurovision grapples with its role as a stage for both harmony and discord. The EBU’s handling of this year’s challenges will likely shape how future contests address political tensions. For now, Yuval Raphael, a young woman who turned pain into song, is ready to take the stage again, carrying her story and her nation’s hopes into the spotlight.
