Despite the conflict ravaging Gaza and calls for the country to withdraw due to allegations of genocide, contestant Yuval Raphael is preparing to perform
As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 unfolds in Basel, Switzerland, Israel is indeed participating, represented by singer Yuval Raphael performing the song “New Day Will Rise”. However, their inclusion has sparked significant debate and protest across Europe.
Who Is Representing Israel?
Yuval Raphael, selected through Israel’s televised competition HaKokhav HaBa L’Eirovizion (Rising Star), is a singer and survivor of a 2023 attack. His song, “New Day Will Rise”, penned by Keren Peles, is a pop anthem of resilience and hope, released on March 9, 2025. The Israeli broadcaster Kan internally selected the song after Raphael’s win in January.
Protestors hold Palestinian flags and a banner as they take part in a demonstration against Israel’s candidate and during the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 opening ceremony in Basel on May 11, 2025. Stefan Wermuth / AFP) (Photo by STEFAN WERMUTH/AFP via Getty Images
Political Backlash and Calls for Boycott
Israel’s participation has been met with significant opposition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 60,000 deaths. Protests have erupted in host city Basel and other European cities, with demonstrators calling for Israel’s exclusion from the contest. Over 70 former Eurovision contestants, including Salvador Sobral and Charlie McGettigan, have signed a petition opposing Israel’s inclusion.
Despite the controversy, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has defended Israel’s participation, stating that Eurovision is an apolitical event and that the Israeli broadcaster Kan meets all technical requirements.
How Is Israel Performing?
Despite the political tensions, Yuval Raphael’s “New Day Will Rise” has garnered attention for its message of hope and resilience. While not among the top favorites, Israel’s entry is considered a»strong» contender.
Yuval Raphael representing Israel attends the Turquoise Carpet of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony at Messe Basel on May 11, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Harold Cunningham/Getty Images
When to Watch
The Eurovision 2025 Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at 9:00 PM CEST (3:00 PM EDT). Viewers in the U.S. can stream the event live via the official Eurovision YouTube channel or check local listings for broadcast options.
Why It Matters to U.S. Audiences
While Eurovision is primarily a European event, its global reach has been expanding, with increasing interest from American audiences. The inclusion of Israel, a country often at the center of geopolitical debates, adds a layer of complexity to the contest.
Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025 underscores the contest’s ongoing struggle to balance its apolitical stance with the realities of global politics. As the Grand Final approaches, all eyes will be on Basel to see how this tension unfolds on the international stage.
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