TEL AVIV – Four days after capturing second place at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, Israeli representative Yuval Raphael broke her silence with a heartfelt message on social media. In a post brimming with gratitude, she addressed the whirlwind of emotions following her powerful performance, international support—and the political storm that followed.
I’ve Never Felt So Strong
“I’m still trying to process this absolutely surreal experience… but I’ve never felt so strong!” wrote Raphael, who quickly became a national symbol of resilience amid controversy and applause.
I Felt Your Spirit Behind Me
Though the stage in Liverpool may have featured her alone, she insisted she was never truly by herself: “I wasn’t standing there alone. Maybe the eye couldn’t see it—but I felt it. Between the boos, the flags, and the whistles—I felt your spirit behind me. I felt like I was crying out our cry.”
You Trusted Me to Be Your Voice
Raphael’s post reflected a deep emotional connection with the Israeli public: “You trusted me to be your voice. What an honor you gave me. It’s a moment I’ll carry with me forever.”
She emphasized that for her, Eurovision wasn’t just about music—it was a moment of national representation and personal purpose.
Homecoming and Political Praise
Since returning to Israel, Raphael has received widespread praise across the political spectrum. She was met with cheers and warm embraces at Ben Gurion Airport, and has already spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
