Israeli Eurovision Star Yuval Raphael Booed, Threatened by Anti-Israel Protesters

In a shocking display of antisemitic vitriol, Israeli Eurovision contestant Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Nova massacre, was met with boos, jeers, and Palestinian flags during a rehearsal for the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, on May 15, 2025. The afternoon rehearsal, held before a live audience, turned hostile as anti-Israel spectators filled the hall with disruptive noise, attempting to drown out Raphael’s performance. This appalling treatment, rooted in anti-Israel sentiment, underscores a disturbing trend of hatred targeting Jewish and Israeli figures on global stages, fueled by misinformation and propaganda that vilifies Israel while ignoring the context of Hamas’s terrorism.

Despite the venomous atmosphere, Raphael delivered a near-flawless performance, hitting every note with precision and delivering an emotionally charged moment of vulnerability that captivated the audience. Israeli supporters in the crowd countered the hostility with enthusiastic cheers, partially silencing the rancor, and the rehearsal concluded with applause. Raphael’s resilience shone through, proving her artistry and determination to represent Israel with pride. Her performance was deemed not only worthy of advancing to the final but potentially securing a top spot, a testament to her talent amidst adversity.

In an interview with Israel Hayom, Raphael addressed a chilling incident at the contest’s opening event, where a pro-Palestinian protester made throat-slitting gestures toward the Israeli delegation. She stated, “The incident with the guy who threatened us was a bit more stressful, and it was even scary, all those gestures there, but it reminded me exactly why I’m here and where my heart is, and it will elevate my performance.” This harrowing experience, coupled with the rehearsal’s hostility, highlights the intense pressure Raphael faces as she carries the weight of representing Israel in a climate rife with anti-Israel aggression.

Posts on X reflect the polarized sentiment, with some praising Raphael’s courage; such as @lelemSLP’s tearful pride at her waving the Israeli flag amid threats, while others, like @BraddockBessie, condemned the hypocrisy of over 70 former Eurovision contestants calling for Raphael’s ban, falsely accusing her of “normalizing Israel’s crimes.” These attacks, ignoring her survival of Hamas’s massacre, reveal a disgusting double standard where Jewish suffering is dismissed. Raphael’s strength in the face of such hate is a powerful rebuke to those who seek to silence her, affirming her mission to shine a light for Israel despite the darkness of antisemitism.