Yuval Raphael, winner of the reality show “The Next Star” speak to the media after winning the final in Neve Ilan, near Jerusalem Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90
Yuval Raphael: A Voice of Resilience for Israel at Eurovision 2025
In a time of profound struggle for Israel, marked by the lingering pain of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the unresolved plight of hostages still held in Gaza, a new voice has emerged to represent the nation on the global stage. Yuval Raphael, a 24-year-old survivor of the Nova music festival massacre, has been selected as Israel’s entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, held in Basel, Switzerland this May. Her song, “New Day Will Rise,” is more than a musical performance—it’s a testament to resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation facing adversity.
Yuval’s journey to Eurovision is deeply personal and inextricably tied to the events that shook Israel over a year ago. On that fateful day at the Nova festival, she endured unimaginable horror, hiding for eight hours under the bodies of fallen friends in a roadside bomb shelter as Hamas terrorists attacked. Out of the 50 people crammed into that shelter, only 11 survived. Yuval emerged physically scarred, with shrapnel still embedded in her head and leg, and emotionally wounded, carrying the weight of trauma that words can scarcely capture. Yet, through music, she has found a path to healing—and now, a platform to share Israel’s story with the world.
Her victory on the Israeli talent show HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star) in January 2025 was a moment of national pride, a collective affirmation that even in the darkest times, light can break through. “Music is one of the strongest ingredients in my healing process,” Yuval said during the competition’s final, a sentiment that resonates with many Israelis seeking solace amid ongoing turmoil. Her song, written by Keren Peles—who also penned last year’s entry “Hurricane” for Eden Golan—blends Hebrew, English, and French lyrics, weaving biblical verses from the Song of Songs into a melody of renewal. Unveiled on March 9, “New Day Will Rise” has already struck a chord, climbing betting odds and sparking conversations about its deeper meaning.
For Israel, Yuval’s Eurovision entry arrives at a critical juncture. As of today, March 17, 2025, the fragile ceasefire with Hamas, brokered after 15 months of conflict, holds an uncertain future. The war, sparked by the October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, has left deep scars—both in the lives lost and the families still waiting for their loved ones’ return. Recent developments suggest progress in negotiations, with reports of secret U.S.-led talks with Hamas aimed at freeing American hostages and potentially others. Yet, for every step forward, there’s a palpable tension that the process could falter, leaving hostages like Edan Alexander and countless others in captivity.
In this context, Yuval’s performance is more than a bid for Eurovision glory—it’s a symbol of Israel’s enduring resolve. She has spoken candidly about her mission: to tell the story of her country, not from a place of pity, but from one of strength. “I want to appear in Europe and tell them the story of the country, of what I went through, of what others went through,” she said in an interview before the HaKokhav HaBa final. Her words carry added weight as Israel navigates international scrutiny and the specter of antisemitism, with last year’s contestant, Eden Golan, facing boos and protests in Malmö. Yuval is preparing for similar challenges, reportedly even practicing with a “booing machine” to steel herself against potential hostility.
The hostage crisis amplifies the stakes of her representation. Each note she sings will echo the longing of families who gather at rallies, holding frayed photos of their loved ones, and the prayers of a nation yearning for closure. “New Day Will Rise” isn’t just Yuval’s story—it’s a collective anthem for Israelis who refuse to be defined by tragedy. The song’s title alone evokes a promise: that even amidst grief and uncertainty, hope persists. For a country that has rallied around the cry “Bring Them Home,” Yuval’s voice offers a powerful reminder that art can transcend borders, uniting people in shared humanity.
Israel’s Eurovision history is rich with triumphs—four victories since 1973—and moments of controversy, as seen in 2024 when Golan’s “October Rain” was reworked into “Hurricane” to meet political neutrality rules. Yuval’s entry continues this legacy, blending personal narrative with national identity. Her fluency in Hebrew, English, and French, honed during childhood years in Geneva, equips her to connect with a global audience, while her advocacy—speaking at the UN Human Rights Council about her survival—underscores her resolve to bear witness.
As May approaches, Israelis will watch Yuval take the stage with bated breath, not just for a win, but for a moment of unity and recognition. In a year when the release of hostages remains a desperate hope, her performance will carry the weight of a nation’s soul—singing not only for herself, but for those who cannot. “New Day Will Rise” is a declaration: Israel endures, and through Yuval Raphael, it will be heard.
