by Nitsan Eliraz Comment Closed




Tension and pride collided as Israel’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Yuval Raphael, faced protests during the turquoise carpet event. Discover how she responded and see the unforgettable moments from Basel.

In an especially tense atmosphere, Eurovision Week 2025 officially began in the city of Basel, Switzerland. The event that opens the festive week-the Turquoise Carpet Ceremony-became a highly charged emotional and political arena this year, as protests against Israel’s participation continued even as the Israeli delegation took to the carpet.

Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative this year, walked the turquoise carpet proudly holding the Israeli flag. Surrounded by delegation members and heavy security, dozens of Palestinian flags were visible behind her and among the crowd, some standing out prominently due to the many cameras focused on the event. See the photos later in the article!




National Pride Versus International Protest

There is no doubt this was a charged moment. The Israeli representative, stepping onto the stage under the spotlight of cameras from all across Europe, did not attempt to hide her national identity-on the contrary. “Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative, walked the turquoise carpet and waved the Israeli flag with immense pride,” reported members of the Euromix team present at the turquoise carpet event.

The complex scene included not only the physical meeting of the Israeli and Palestinian flags, but also a symbolic encounter: between song and a sense of mission, between musical representation and political protest, between hope for unity and a global dispute that did not remain outside the event’s boundaries.

Images That Tell the Whole Story

Dozens of photographers captured the moment when Yuval Raphael strode confidently down the carpet, with protesters waving Palestinian flags in the background. This was an exceptionally intense event, one that did not leave the audience indifferent. Some viewers applauded, others stood frozen, and many-both in Basel and online-reacted to the moment in various, often emotional and heated, ways. For her part, Yuval completely ignored the embarrassing display and waved the Israeli flags with tremendous pride.

Will the protest affect the Israeli delegation’s experience throughout the week? Will European viewers see a proud stance in the face of political protest? These are questions that will continue to occupy many as the events progress.

Yuval was transported by tram from Basel’s central square (Marktplatz) to the next Eurovision event location. On the way, pro-Palestinian protesters jumped onto the tram tracks in an attempt to delay its movement and had to be forcibly removed by police. A local photographer on the scene also reported that Yuval Raphael was accompanied throughout the journey by security personnel. See the photos:




Politics and Eurovision: Tensions at the Heart of the Festivities

The Euromix team, on their way to cover the turquoise carpet event, closely documented these unusual occurrences. Even before the turquoise carpet began, protests against Israel’s participation in Eurovision, accompanied by Palestinian flags, took place throughout Basel.

Photos accompanying the report show dozens of protesters, some wearing keffiyehs or dressed in the colors of the Palestinian flag, holding signs calling for Israel’s boycott from the contest. The protest did not end in the streets-it also reached the official event itself.

Unexpected Colors on the Turquoise Carpet: Palestinian and Pride Flags

During the festive opening of the week, as the grand opening number was performed before the audience and cameras from across Europe, another unusual scene unfolded. While the opening number was underway, numerous Palestinian flags were seen waving alongside pride flags among the crowd at the crucial turquoise carpet event, broadcast live on Eurovision’s official YouTube channel.

The combination of colorful LGBTQ+ flags and the political flags of the protesters created a tense atmosphere. This conflict sharply illustrated the central question raised on social media and by the international press after the event: Is this a political event, or one meant to unite nations? It was evident that the protesters did not grasp the event’s intended purpose.




Difficult Questions at the Start of Eurovision Week

These events cast doubt on the message Eurovision seeks to promote-unity, music, and cultural connection. When political protests penetrate official events, questions arise about the boundaries of free expression within a contest known for its apolitical nature.

Will the contest organizers be required to establish clearer guidelines? Will other participants express their views on the matter? And will Yuval Raphael address the protest? These questions hover over the turquoise carpet and accompany the dramatic start of Eurovision week in Basel.




Eurovision 2025: Dates and Time

The Eurovision Song Contest for 2025 will take place in May, as per tradition. Here are the exact dates:

For those wondering “What time will Eurovision 2025 air?” each event will begin at 21:00 CET.

 

Eurovision 2025: This will be Switzerland’s 65th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Switzerland joined the competition in 1956, being one of the seven founding countries, and has won three times over the years. Its most recent victory was at the last Eurovision in 2025, with Nemo’s song “The Code.” This win follows Switzerland’s previous victory in 1988 with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi,” performed by international singer Céline Dion.