15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Israel's inclusion in Eurovision explained as country faces calls to be banned
Yuval Raphael, 25, is set to fly the flag for Israel at this year's Eurovision Song Contest with her track 'New Day Will Rise'.
Hailing from Ra'anana, just outside Tel Aviv, Yuval kicked off her career in 2024 on the TV talent show HaKokhav HaBa.
The songstress has opened up about 'practising being booed' in preparation for Eurovision, amidst calls for Israel's ban from the contest due to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Despite not being a European nation, Israel's inclusion in Eurovision comes courtesy of its Israel Broadcasting Authority's membership in the European Broadcasting Union.
This affiliation has allowed Israel to join the competition since 1973, bagging four wins along the way: in 1978 and 1979 with tunes 'A-Ba-Ni-Bi' by Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta, and 'Hallelujah' by Milk and Honey, then in 1998 with Dana International's 'Diva', and most recently in 2018 with Netta's 'Toy', reports the Express.
Yuval has expressed that representing her country at Eurovision feels "like a personal win, just to be having this experience and representing my country and doing it with such pride".
Her journey to Eurovision is nothing short of miraculous, considering she nearly lost her life during a Hamas attack at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.
Yuval found shelter in a concrete bombproof hideout alongside around 50 others as Hamas militants fired into their refuge. She emerged as one of the 11 survivors.
The rules of Eurovision mean no political statements can be made so she will not discuss this experience when promoting her entry.
But, Yuval will perform her song New Day Will Rise will shrapnel in her leg from the day of the attack.
Speaking about how she is dealing with backlash over Israel's inclusion, she told the BBC: "Everybody has opinions. Im 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 the opening parade for the content was "scary at times, even uncomfortable, but it makes me keep reminding myself why I'm here and my agenda".
Yuval concluded: "[I'm] spreading as much love as I can and bringing pride to my country."
