Eurovision artist Yuval Raphael undeterred by anti-Israel protesters in Switzerland

Israeli Eurovision artist Yuval Raphael and her team were confronted by anti-Israel protesters in the Swiss city of Basel, which is hosting this year’s song contest. The incident occurred as Raphael walked the “turquoise carpet” outside Basel Town Hall, marking the beginning of Eurovision week.

Many of the anti-Israel protesters held Palestinian Authority flags and banners that accused Israel of “genocide” in Gaza. One anti-Israel activist held a sign stating, “No applause for genocide.” Another banner stated, “Singing while Gaza burns.” 

A video clip showed a man of Middle Eastern descent spitting and openly threatening Raphael and the Israeli team. Following the incident, the Israeli broadcaster Kan urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to assist in identifying the individual. The EBU responded by arguing that this was a criminal matter for the local Police in Switzerland. 

Addressing the anti-Israel sentiments, the undeterred Raphael stressed that she is focused on the music and not on the “background noise.” 

“There are things that I can control and things that I can’t control. Ultimately, there’s no point investing energy in something I can’t control,” she argued. “The most important thing to me is to bring honor to my country and do the best I can."

Some 70 former Eurovision participants recently signed a letter, demanding a boycott of Israel due to allegations of “genocide,” “apartheid” and “occupation.” 

“We, the undersigned former Eurovision participants, urge all members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to demand the exclusion of KAN, the Israeli public broadcaster, from the Eurovision Song Contest. KAN is complicit in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza and the decades-long regime of apartheid and military occupation against the entire Palestinian people,” the public letter claimed. 

The Eurovision Director Martin Green OBE expressed understanding that the conflict in the Middle East causes strong emotions. However, he emphasized that Israel would participate just like any other EBU member state. 

“The EBU is an association of public service broadcasters who are all eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest every year. Additionally, as part of its mission to secure a sustainable future for public service media, the EBU is supporting our Israeli Member Kan against the threat from being privatized or shut down by the Israeli government,” Green stated. 

The 24-year-old Yuval Raphael survived the Nova Music Festival massacre on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists murdered almost 400 Israelis, mostly young civilian partygoers.

In January 2025, Raphael was chosen to represent Israel in this year’s Eurovision contest. The finale will be held on Saturday, May 17. Raphael has articulated hope that her song “New Day Will Rise” will send a message of solidarity and healing. 

Israel’s National Security Council urged Israeli travelers in its recent travel advisory to keep a low profile during the Eurovision event in Switzerland. The council specifically called on Israelis to avoid displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols. 

Despite some tensions, Conradin Cramer, president of the Basel City canton, expressed excitement ahead of the large European song contest:

“The moment we have eagerly awaited is finally here. The stage is ready. Excitement fills the air, and the entire city is buzzing with a unique and vibrant energy,” Cramer said.  “The ESC is the most groundbreaking Swiss invention, after the pocket knife, the zipper, and bircher muesli."

Cramer concluded by stressing Basel’s ideal central location in Europe. “Basel, located in the heart of Europe, is the perfect place to unite people by music.”