Yuval Raphael: Survivor of Tragedy to Eurovision Hopeful
Yuval Raphael, a 24-year-old singer and survivor of the horrific Hamas attack at the Nova music festival in 2023, has emerged as Israel’s representative for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Her journey, marked by resilience and healing through music, has captivated audiences and symbolizes hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Raphael was present at the Nova festival during the deadly attack, where 360 attendees were killed and 40 were taken hostage. Miraculously, she survived by hiding for eight hours beneath lifeless bodies in a bomb shelter. Still carrying physical reminders of the tragedy, with shrapnel in her head and leg, Raphael has also carried her story forward to inspire others. Competing in Israel’s talent show HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star) , she shared her journey of survival and healing. Winning the competition has earned her the honor of representing Israel at Eurovision, set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, this May.
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Despite her professional singing career starting just last year, Raphael’s performances already carry immense depth and emotion. In the talent show’s final round, she performed a heartfelt rendition of ABBA’s Dancing Queen , dedicating it to the "angels" lost in the festival attack. She emphasized how music has played a pivotal role in her healing process, describing it as one of the strongest tools in her recovery.
Beyond music, Raphael has actively engaged in advocacy. She addressed the UN Human Rights Council, sharing her experience to shed light on the impact of the attack. Fluent in English, French, and Hebrew, Raphael has demonstrated incredible courage by using her voice, both in music and activism, to bring attention to her story and her country’s struggles.
The Israeli public broadcaster Kan is set to unveil Raphael’s official Eurovision entry soon. Her participation follows a legacy of Israeli Eurovision contestants, including past winners like Netta in 2018. Amid the controversies surrounding Israel's presence in the competition, Raphael’s story and talent bring a personal and powerful perspective to the global stage.
Her journey is a testament to resilience, the healing power of music, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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