Eden Golan, Israel’s Eurovision 2024 representative, reflects on her emotional Eurovision experience, launches her debut album’s first single, and shares advice for Israel’s 2025 representative, Yuval Raphael.
Eden Golan, who represented Israel at Eurovision 2024 and achieved an impressive fifth place in the Grand Final, is embarking on a new phase in her career—both musically and personally. Following the whirlwind of Eurovision, she has released “Wait For You,” the first single from her debut album, which she has been working on for the past year. Alongside this musical milestone, Golan opens up about the intense emotions she experienced on Europe’s biggest stage and behind the scenes.
In a candid interview at the morning show “Hadshot HaBoker” hosted by Niv Raskin, Golan shared her challenges, post-Eurovision expectations, and her feelings about starting fresh as a creative artist. She also offered advice to Yuval Raphael, Israel’s Eurovision 2025 representative, preparing her for the boos she may encounter from the audience.
A Glimpse Into Her New Single
When asked about releasing her first single from her debut album, Golan expressed her excitement:
“Honestly, it’s surreal because I’ve had such a crazy year since everything I went through with Eurovision. This album has been a year in the making. This is the first song and a sneak peek into it. I’m so happy to share this meaningful project with the world and with our country.”
On transitioning from representing Israel at Eurovision to starting over as an artist:
“It’s challenging because there’s this sense of responsibility—you can’t just release anything. There are expectations, which makes it harder… But I’m writing my truth and pouring my soul into it. Of course, I’ll evolve and try new things, but for now, I’m writing what I feel and love.”
Writing From the Heart Amid Challenges
Golan emphasized that her music reflects her authentic self rather than being solely aimed at mainstream success:
“Of course, reaching platforms like radio or YouTube is a goal, but my biggest aim is to stay true to myself and my music. Sure, I could write a song for children that might explode on TikTok—but right now, I’m drawing from meaningful moments in my life. Given everything our country is going through right now and with hostages still not home, it’s hard to find joy. ‘Wait For You’ is about my experiences and emotions because this year hasn’t been smooth—it’s had its breaking points.”
When asked about moments when she felt close to breaking down:
“I don’t think I’ll ever truly break because my goals keep me grounded. But there are moments of stress—flying almost every day leaves no time for myself. On one hand, I’m living my dreams; on the other hand, I can’t catch my breath. It lasts for a few days, but then everything feels rosy again.”
Supporting Yuval Raphael for Eurovision 2025
Golan shared her thoughts on Yuval Raphael’s song and chances at Eurovision:
“Yuval Raphael is a queen! I’m so proud of her—it’s incredible to see how far someone can come after everything she’s been through. She moves me in ways I can’t even explain. Her song is just as moving as she is—it represents us perfectly at this moment. With Yuval’s talent, we can achieve a high position in the contest—but ultimately, it’s up to the world.”
She also revealed how she prepared Raphael for potential boos from the audience:
“I warned her about the boos. It’s not easy—I went there a bit naïve because we perform with noise-almost-canceling earphones. I thought I’d only hear myself and the music—but I was so wrong. The boos were so loud that I couldn’t hear myself sing. I had to switch into autopilot mode to get through it. I told Yuval about this because she also thought she wouldn’t hear them—I hope she’s ready.”
On handling such moments:
“When you have a big goal and believe in yourself and what you stand for, nothing can stop you—not boos or death threats. It only gave me strength.”
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 Raphael 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.
Listen to the Israel’s Eurovision 2025 song, performed by Yuval Raphael:
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 Raphael 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.
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.
Source: Hadshot HaBoker.
