Inspiring Jew from Today: Yuval Raphael
Yuval Raphael’s journey to the Eurovision stage is one of extraordinary survival and resilience.
On 7 October 2023, the then 23-year-old was at the Nova music festival when Hamas terrorists attacked. She escaped to a roadside bomb shelter, where dozens of people crammed inside as gunmen repeatedly returned, firing into the shelter and throwing grenades. Raphael survived by hiding for hours beneath the bodies of those murdered, later speaking in heartbreaking interviews about the young woman whose body shielded her and helped save her life.
The trauma she endured is almost impossible to imagine. Yet rather than letting that horror define her, Raphael found the strength to return to music.
Representing Israel at Eurovision in 2025, she performed under intense hostility, protests and scrutiny, yet carried herself with remarkable grace and composure. The song, New day will rise, a powerful ballad that showcased Raphael's soaring vocals.
She went on to finish in second place, a powerful reminder that resilience can shine even in the darkest circumstances.
Watch Yuval Raphael's 2025 Eurovision performance: Youtube - Yuval Raphael New day will rise LIVE Grand final Eurovision 2025