From the Liveblog of
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Israel’s Yuval Raphael performs at Eurovision Song Contest semifinal
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAmy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel
Israel’s Yuval Raphael performs her song “New Day Will Rise” at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland.
No booing can be heard during the televised event, and Raphael is greeted with loud cheers after a solid performance. There is also no strong visible presence of Palestinian flags in the crowd, despite the Israeli delegation’s fears that there would be after flag rules for the audience were relaxed this year.
Raphael is one of 16 acts tonight vying for the final 10 spots in Saturday night’s grand final. Voters from tonight’s participating countries, plus those in non-Eurovision countries, can cast their votes this evening at www.esc.vote.
A pro-Israel demonstration approved by police was held near the arena today, and a couple of dozen people waving Palestinian flags were also seen nearby. A larger anti-Israel protest is expected Saturday night.
The Times of Israel Community.