Raphael landed in Israel following her standout performance in the Eurovision finals, where she won the audience vote with 297 points. Despite receiving only 60 points from the judges, her total of 357 secured her the second-place spot overall.
Her overwhelming victory in the public vote demonstrated the widespread support she received from audiences across Europe, even amid political tensions and protests surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest.
A Triumphant Return
Her emotional ballad “New Day Will Rise” resonated deeply with viewers, and her performance in the final became a defining and touching moment of the evening.
During the press conference following the results, Raphael expressed heartfelt thanks to the European audience and to those who supported her throughout her journey: “Turns out you don’t need the judges to finish high. A huge thank you to the people and the team who carried me through this challenging time. I’m here because of your voices.”
Unprecedented Support
Raphael received top scores (12 points) from 12 countries, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. She also earned 10 points from additional nations, reflecting wide-reaching support from diverse communities across Europe. Despite her strong performance, Austria’s JJ took first place overall with his song “Wasted Love”, scoring a total of 436 points.
Thanks to You, I’m Here
In her post-show remarks, Raphael again thanked fans: “It turns out you don’t need the judges to do well. I have no words other than an enormous thank you. To the team, to the people of Israel who strengthened me during incredibly difficult moments — your voices reached me and echoed loudly. Every time there were boos, I could feel the love from Israel and beyond. Thanks to you, I’m here.”
She also took a moment to acknowledge the 58 Israeli hostages still being held captive in Gaza, expressing hope for their safe return. In reference to the missile warning sirens that sounded across parts of Israel—triggered by a missile launched from Yemen during the moment the Eurovision winner was announced—Raphael added: “I’m sorry for what we’re going through. I hope everyone is safe. I’m sending love. All I want is to come home to you. From tomorrow, I’ll be with you — through fires, floods, sirens, and everything else.”
Stage Invasion Attempts
In response to questions from foreign reporters, a member of the Israeli delegation revealed there had been two attempted stage invasions during Raphael’s performance. Security personnel thwarted both incidents, but the experience left the singer shaken. The delegation was relocated for 15 minutes afterward. Simultaneously, a large anti-Israel protest took place in central Basel.
Israeli attendees received an alert from the Home Front Command app urging them to avoid confrontations: “Please be advised: A large-scale pro-Palestinian protest is taking place in central Basel. Swiss police are on the scene and the situation is under control. Israelis are advised to avoid confrontations and to conceal identifying Israeli symbols in public spaces. In case of concern, contact local authorities.”
Netanyahu to Raphael: “You Are a Symbol of Strength and Hope”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent Yuval Raphael a message of encouragement prior to her performance: “Dear Yuval, in just a few moments you’ll take the Eurovision stage and represent the State of Israel. My wife, I, and all Israeli citizens are cheering you on with all our hearts. You’ve already won — you’ve triumphed over Hamas’s despicable terrorists, you’ve overcome pain, and you’ve become a symbol of strength and hope. Now you stand before the world, proudly representing the Israeli spirit. We all love you, embrace you, and wish you great success tonight.”
