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Hamas attack survivor Yuval Raphael to represent Israel at Eurovision

Politiko 2025-01-23 18:31:29

Hamas attack survivor Yuval Raphael to represent Israel at Eurovision

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the tragic attack of October 7, 2023, has been chosen to represent Israel at Eurovision 2025, to be held in Basel, Switzerland.

The 24-year-old was at the Nova music festival when Hamas militants attacked, killing 360 young people and taking 40 others hostage.

Raphael escaped the massacre by hiding for eight hours under dead bodies inside a bomb shelter.

Her touching story became known during her participation in the Israeli talent show HaKokhav HaBa (Future Star), where she triumphed and earned the right to represent her country at Eurovision.

Raphael's statements after the victory:
"I can't explain how excited and ready I am! Thank you for doing me this great honor and trusting me to represent my country on the big Eurovision stage in Switzerland," she said amid emotions after the victory was announced.

Yuval, who is still dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the attack, says music has been an essential part of her healing process. At the finale of the musical spectacle, she performed a version of ABBA's "Dancing Queen," dedicating it to the "angels" who lost their lives at the Nova festival.

“Music is one of the strongest ingredients in my healing process,” she said. Raphael only started singing professionally a year ago, but has shown extraordinary musical ability and spiritual strength to face challenges.

In addition to music, Yuval has been involved in advocacy for Israel, sharing her experience as a survivor of the attack in international forums, including speeches at the UN Human Rights Council. She is fluent in Hebrew, English, and French, representing the voice of those affected by the tragedy.

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