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Israel's Eurovision 2025 contestant Yuval Raphael advanced to the song contest's final, after taking the stage Thursday night for the first time in Basel during the second semi-final broadcast with her song New Day Will Rise. Jeers were heard as her performance began and she appeared hesitant at first but gained confidence as the song progressed, reaching an emotional climax in Hebrew.
At the end of her set, Raphael's sleeve caught on the large chandelier surrounding her. She concluded by saying, "Thank you, Europe. I love you, merci, todah."
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Yuval Raphael at Eurovision 2025's semifinals
(Video: European Broadcasting Union)
Raphael performed 14th out of 16 acts. By the end of the broadcast, 10 countries advanced to the grand final, scheduled for Saturday, May 17. As the show opened, an Israeli flag featuring the symbol of the hostages was seen in the crowd - it was later ordered removed.
Israel’s entry competed against performers from Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Serbia and Finland. In addition, viewers got a first look at songs from France, Germany and the UK — part of the “Big Five” countries that qualify automatically for the final.
Earlier in the evening, Israeli fans outside the arena in Basel were confronted by pro-Palestinian protesters calling to boycott Israel. Naomi from Rishon Lezion said she had to hide her flag in her pants to avoid harassment, while Ziv from Los Angeles said he folded his flag after being shouted at.
Despite the atmosphere, both emphasized the importance of supporting the Israeli performer, saying, “We’re here to stay.” A pro-Israel rally later formed near the arena.
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Yuval Raphael at Eurovision 2025's semifinals
(Photo: Kan, European Broadcasting Union)
Two of Raphael's friends, Adar Duchan and Bar Goldstein — survivors of the October 7 massacre at the Nova music festival — also traveled to Basel to support her and joined the pro-Israel demonstration near the venue.
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Local police removed their Nova festival flag and an Israeli flag featuring the hostage symbol, claiming they were "provocative." Authorities expressed concern about possible clashes with Palestinian protesters gathered just a few hundred meters away.
Moments before the semi-final began, Raphael's father told Ynet: “Yuval, you’ve already overcome everything and you’ll overcome this too. I love you. I’m prouder of you than anything else. Any crowd resistance will only fuel your inner energy. Just give it your all, enjoy yourself.”
Earlier in the day, during the final rehearsals, boos were heard again during Raphael's song — marking a shift from the previous night’s rehearsal, where she received a warm reception. During the family rehearsal, six individuals, including relatives of other contestants, disrupted Raphael's performance by waving large flags and blowing whistles. Security quickly intervened and removed them from the hall.
Despite the disruptions, Raphael received strong support from parts of the audience, who applauded and cheered at the end of her performance. She responded with a heartfelt gesture and said, “Thank you, Europe, I love you.” Speaking later to the Israeli delegation, she said the flags waved in protest “only pushed her harder.”
Shortly after her performance, a march with Palestinian flags gathered outside the Eurovision venue, chanting calls to boycott Israel.