Organized boycott or misunderstanding? Yuval Rafael was left alone – why was the Israeli representative not added to the Eurovision participants’ Instagram group?
In an exclusive report by Eurovisionfun, a surprising detail about Eurovision 2025 participants has emerged. According to Australia’s representative, Go-Jo, a group chat was created among this year’s contestants. Participants are chatting via Instagram and have even shared personal introduction photos. Some of these conversations leaked online, sparking considerable curiosity among fans.
However, the information reveals that one participant was notably excluded from the group. According to verified sources, Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, was not included in the artists’ group chat. It remains unclear who initiated the group, but as of this writing, Raphael is still not part of it.
Listen to the Israel’s Eurovision 2025 song, performed by Yuval Rafael:
Organized Boycott or Simple Misunderstanding?
The incident raises significant questions regarding the treatment of Israel’s contestant. So far, neither the Eurovision organizers nor other contestants have provided official responses explaining Raphael’s absence. However, these troubling details have already sparked intense discussions across social media platforms in Israel and Europe.
Many Eurovision fans are questioning whether this action was intentional or just a simple technical oversight. Meanwhile, Raphael’s exclusion from the chat has already triggered expressions of solidarity among many fans, who launched an online campaign demanding her immediate inclusion in the group.
The Secret Leak: Israel Excluded
What’s clear is that this situation may significantly impact the atmosphere surrounding Yuval Raphael’s participation in the upcoming competition. Israel has historically shown heightened sensitivity to perceived discriminatory treatment against its representatives in international competitions. This event might reignite debates over political boycotts and international relations among participating countries.
Moreover, considerable attention is now focused on the meaning behind the song Raphael will perform this year, especially given the current circumstances. Will the message of her song address feelings of isolation or strive toward unity? This is the big question now being posed by the Israeli audience.
Eurovision 2025 is anticipated to be dramatic, not only because of the performances and music but also due to backstage stories, such as this recent incident. This year’s voting system will likely undergo increased scrutiny, given concerns that the current tension could influence audience and jury voting. Historically, Israel’s contestants have occasionally faced hostile reactions, and many in Israel are hopeful this latest event doesn’t mark the start of a negative atmosphere surrounding Yuval Raphael’s upcoming Eurovision appearance.
As both Israeli and international audiences await further developments, the most crucial priority remains ensuring that all contestants, including Yuval Raphael, genuinely feel part of this significant and exciting event. The controversy has only just begun, and attention is now firmly on group administrators and fellow contestants to swiftly rectify the injustice experienced by Yuval Raphael.
The Israeli Eurovision Song for 2025 – All the Details
The Israeli Eurovision song was revealed during a festive broadcast aired on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation “KAN”, during which the creators of the song and the members of the committee who chose the song for the competition appeared. The broadcast was hosted by Hila Korach, and during it, Yuval Rafael performed alongside Israel’s Eurovision 2024 representative, Eden Golan, and together they performed the song “Hurricane.” At the end of the broadcast, the official music video for the Israeli Eurovision song was revealed.
What Does the Israeli Eurovision Song Mean?
The song “New Day Will Rise” addresses one of the most universal and profound themes – the life-giving power of love and hope. The lyrics speak of dealing with loss, separation, and pain, but also about the possibility of overcoming and renewing. The song conveys the belief that with every ending comes a new beginning, that pain will fade, and love will remain with us. Each verse of the song highlights the way hope and love can carry us even in times of darkness and pain.
What Does the French Verse in Israel’s Eurovision Song Say?
The French verse in “New Day Will Rise” differs somewhat from the English verses in terms of emotional approach. While the English verses emphasize the light that enters our lives even in tough times and the love that remains with us after separation, the French verse, “Et même si tu dis adieu, Tu ne partiras jamais,” focuses more directly on the spiritual presence of the beloved, stressing the idea that love stays even when we part ways.
Who Will Direct Israel’s Eurovision Performance?
The team directing Israel’s Eurovision performance, with Yuval Rafael performing the song, is composed of Shai Bondar, Yuval Cohen, and Yoav Tsafir. The three also collaborated last year with the song “Hurricane,” which earned Israel 5th place in the Grand Final.
Yuval Raphael – Who are you?
Yuval, 24, from Ra’anana, lived in Geneva, Switzerland, during her childhood. She disclosed that she escaped from a Hamas terror attack on October 7th, during which grenades were thrown and shots were fired at a party. Many around her were killed, and she had to pretend to be dead to survive. What strengthens Yuval is music and advocacy for Israel. She has spoken in front of world leaders, met influential people, and even spoke at a Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. She has become a focal point for international advocacy, presenting the true face of Israel and correcting the false image portrayed in the global arena. Her insistence on presenting the truth has made her a central and influential figure in both Israeli and global culture.
Yuval has never sung professionally and only started performing in front of audiences in recent months. The echoes of her performances quickly spread on social media, garnering warm praise and responses from viewers.
Yuval won first place in the TV show “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2025” after being chosen by the panel of judges and the home audience. She will represent Israel in Eurovision 2025, to be held in Basel on May 13, 15, and 17, in hopes of bringing Israel its fifth win in the competition.
Source: Eurovisionfun
Eurovision 2025: This is Israel’s 47th participation in Eurovision. Israel joined the competition in 1973 and has won it four times over the years. Israel’s last victory was at Eurovision 2018 with the song “Toy” performed by singer Netta Barzilai.
