Yuval Raphael's journey to the Eurovision stage is marked by a harrowing past and a resilient spirit. Just over a year ago, she was at the Nova festival in Israel, an event that turned into a nightmare when Hamas gunmen attacked on October 7, 2023. This was her first outdoor rave, a day meant for music and joy, which swiftly transformed into chaos as rockets rained from Gaza and gunmen opened fire on the crowd. Raphael, along with others, sought refuge in a roadside concrete bomb shelter, where approximately 50 people were crammed together in a desperate attempt to survive.
The shelter, however, offered little protection. The attackers fired into the mass of bodies and threw hand grenades, creating a scene of unimaginable horror. Amidst this, Raphael managed to call her father, expressing her fear and desperation in a moment captured by an Israeli documentary. Her father's words, urging her to play dead and breathe deeply, were a lifeline in that dark moment. Miraculously, Raphael survived, one of only 11 people to emerge alive from the shelter after hiding under the bodies of those less fortunate for eight grueling hours.
The event was catastrophic, with around 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostage. In the aftermath, Raphael's life took a new trajectory. Embracing the gift of life she had narrowly retained, she embarked on a professional singing career. Now, at 24, she is preparing to perform at the Eurovision semi-final with her song "New Day Will Rise," even as she carries physical reminders of that day — shrapnel still lodged in her leg.
As she steps onto the Eurovision stage, Raphael is aware of the rules set by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which prohibit political statements. Despite the traumatic backdrop to her story, she remains focused on her music, having previously shared her testimony with the United Nations. Her participation comes amid controversy, as protests have arisen against Israel's inclusion in the contest due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Irish broadcaster RTÉ, along with others from Spain and Slovenia, has called for discussions on Israel's participation, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions.
These calls for exclusion are not unprecedented. In recent years, countries like Belarus and Russia have faced bans from Eurovision due to political controversies. Despite this, Raphael chooses to concentrate on the unifying power of music, in line with Eurovision's theme of "united by music." She acknowledges the myriad opinions surrounding her country's involvement but prioritizes spreading love and bringing pride to Israel through her performance.
The situation remains tense, with Israeli fans advised by their National Security Council to avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols at the event. During the Eurovision opening parade in Basel, Switzerland, the Israeli delegation reported an incident involving a pro-Palestinian protester, underscoring the fraught atmosphere.
Despite the challenges, Raphael is determined to focus on her mission. She recalls the experience of last year's Israeli entrant, Eden Golan, who faced boos and even death threats. Raphael acknowledges the possibility of facing similar reactions but remains undeterred in her commitment to deliver an unforgettable performance.
To prepare, she has rehearsed with background noises to simulate potential distractions, a testament to her focus and resilience. Raphael carries the weight of expectations from those back home, aware of the significant responsibility on her shoulders. Her journey from the horrors of the Nova festival to the global stage of Eurovision is a testament to her courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her art and her country.