Israel’s presence still roils Eurovision a year after major protests over war in Gaza

Most contestants at the Eurovision Song Contest are seeking as much publicity as possible.

Israel’s Yuval Raphael is keeping a low profile.

The 24-year-old singer has done few media interviews or appearances during Eurovision week, as Israel’s participation in the pan-continental pop music competition draws protests for a second year.

Raphael performed Thursday in the second semi-final at the contest in the Swiss city of Basel, securing enough votes from viewers for a place in Saturday’s final with her anthemic song “New Day Will Rise”.

Oddsmakers make Raphael, a survivor of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on a music festival in southern Israel that started the Gaza war, one of the favourites to win the contest.