Israel's Eurovision singer says she faced hatred

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 attack at the Nova music festival, says she faced threats, protests and harassment while representing Israel at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. The European Broadcasting Union reported there were no suspicious or irregular voting patterns after questions were raised.

Yuval Raphael says her life changed after surviving the October 7 attack at the Nova music festival and later representing Israel at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. She describes facing protests, threats and harassment while competing, and says some interactions with fellow contestants and audiences felt hostile. Questions about voting and calls to exclude Israel followed the contest, and she is now speaking publicly about those experiences. She is working on new music and has described recovery as an ongoing process. Key facts: - Yuval Raphael survived the October 7 attack at the Nova/Supernova music festival and later performed for Israel at Eurovision 2025. - During Eurovision she encountered protests, threats and heightened security while on the contest circuit. - Several countries and activists sought transparency or exclusion; the European Broadcasting Union stated there were no suspicious or irregular voting patterns. - Raphael has continued performing and releasing music while reporting ongoing harassment during travel and on social media. Summary: Her account highlights how a traumatic event and subsequent public role intersected with wider debates about Israel's participation in cultural events. Undetermined at this time.