Yuval Raphael Shines at Eurovision 2025 Final, Defies Hate with “Am Yisrael Chai” Amid Protests

Israeli Eurovision contestant Yuval Raphael delivered a stirring performance at the Eurovision Song Contest final in Basel, Switzerland, captivating tens of thousands in the arena and earning a seventh-place ranking in betting odds. The 24-year-old survivor of the October 7, 2023, Nova massacre concluded her performance with a defiant cry of “Am Yisrael Chai” (The People of Israel Live), a powerful statement of resilience in the face of intense anti-Israel hostility.

Her performance was marred by a reported attempt by two individuals to storm the stage, swiftly thwarted by security, and widespread protests outside the venue where demonstrators burned Israeli and American flags. Despite these challenges, Raphael’s vocal precision and emotional depth left an indelible mark, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog praising her: “Am Yisrael Chai! You represented the beautiful voice of the people of Israel on a global stage, and no matter the result, for us, you’ve already won! We are proud of you, Yuval.”

The Eurovision final was fraught with tension, as the Finnish broadcaster YLE displayed subtitles referencing Gaza war victims before Raphael’s performance, a move seen by many as politicizing the event. Kan 11 reported the stage intrusion attempt, with the Israeli broadcaster stating, “We will not address security issues at the event. We are very proud of Yuval Raphael’s perfect performance on stage, representing Israel in the most dignified manner.” The National Security Council issued a warning to Israelis in Basel to avoid confrontations with pro-Palestinian protesters and conceal identifying symbols, highlighting the volatile atmosphere.

Other performances included Germany’s Abor and Tina, whose cello-smashing finale energized the crowd, though vocal inconsistencies may limit their ranking. Italy’s Lucio Corsi performed with a giant piano and guitar amps, insisting on subtitles to convey his song’s meaning, yet risked falling outside the top 10. Finland’s Erika Vikman electrified with her provocative “ICH KOMME,” earning loud applause, while the Netherlands’ Claude delivered an emotional “C’est La Vie,” reflecting on childhood. Despite the hate directed at Raphael, her performance, symbolized a triumph of hope over adversity, cementing her as a national hero.