Survivor of Nova music festival Hamas terror attack wins slot to represent Israel at Eurovision

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Nova music festival terrorist attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, has turned to music as a form of therapy and healing. After enduring a traumatic experience where she hid under the bodies of those killed in a bomb shelter for hours, Raphael found solace in singing. Despite having no prior experience as a singer, she recently secured the slot to represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland.

Raphael’s journey through music has been a powerful one, with her voice becoming a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of tragedy. She shared her story with the United Nations Human Rights Council, not as a political statement, but as a way to shed light on the suffering of innocent civilians during the attack.

During the competition, Raphael performed “The Writings on the Wall” and a rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” dedicating her performance to the victims of the terrorist attack. Despite the challenges she faced, including potential backlash from the crowd, Raphael remained steadfast in her mission to share her story and stand strong in the face of adversity.

Israel has faced criticism and calls for boycotts in international competitions following the attack and IDF operations in Gaza. However, the European Broadcasting Union has affirmed that Eurovision is a non-political music event, allowing Raphael the opportunity to represent her country on a global stage.

In a similar vein, the 2024 Israeli contestant, Eden Golan, faced anti-Israeli protests and security concerns during the competition. Despite these challenges, both Raphael and Golan have used their music as a means of advocacy and storytelling, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Israeli people.

As Raphael prepares to take the stage at Eurovision, her message of hope and healing through music serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend tragedy and bring people together in solidarity. Her journey from survivor to singer is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing power of music.