Yuval Rafael returns home to hero’s welcome after stunning Eurovision tr

After her historic achievement last Saturday night and her taking second place in the Eurovision final, Yuval Rafael returned to Israel from Basel this evening (Sunday) and was welcomed with cheers at Ben Gurion Airport.

In a statement to the media, she thanked all her supporters during the competition."What an extraordinary welcome. I have returned with the greatest feelings of pride. I am proud to represent this very special and strong country with a song that connects me to my emotions anew each time. The true message behind it, in my eyes, is the State of Israel, which is going through what it is going through – but it always sees the new day as a new beginning, always knows how to lift itself up again from anything that happens to it. That is what characterizes us as a people and as a nation."

"I want to give a huge thank you for providing me with the privilege of being your voice, for trusting me to convey our message," she added. "I hope I have brought you a lot of pride, that is all I wanted in the world. I thank you, and I feel a huge victory – but there will be no true victory until all our hostages are home; Amen that they return soon."