Introduction to Eurovision 2023
The Israel Eurovision participant, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack at the Nova Music Festival, made her performance in the program for the semi-final of the competition relatively hitch-free. Her performance was a bright moment in the evening, bringing joy to many in the audience.
The Semi-Finals
Raphael was one of ten candidates in the semi-finals on Thursday, competing against other talented artists from around the world. The lineup included Lithuania’s Katarsis, Armenia’s Parg, Denmark’s Sissal, Austria’s JJ, Luxembourg’s Laura Thorn, Finland’s Erika Vikan, Latvia’s TautumeiTas, and others.
Other Competitors
The competition also featured a diverse range of artists from other countries, including Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska, Estonia’s Tommy Cash, Ukraine’s ZiFerBlat, Sweden’s Kaj, Portugal’s Napa, Norway’s Kyle Alessandro, and Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike, among others.
The Final
The final of Eurovision will be broadcast on PACock on Saturday at 12 p.m. PST. Fans from around the world can tune in to watch the exciting conclusion of the competition.
Controversy Surrounding Israel’s Presence
Israel’s presence in the competition has been a contentious issue, particularly in light of the ongoing Gaza War. Over 70 former participants signed an open letter last week, calling for Israel to be excluded from the event due to allegations of "genocide against Palestinian people" and "apartheid."
Protests and Reactions
Despite the controversy, Raphael’s performance was well-received, and some audience members showed their support by cheering and waving flags. However, some protesters were also present, holding up Palestinian flags and demonstrating against Israel’s participation in the competition.
Raphael’s Story
Raphael has spoken publicly about her experiences during the terrorist attack at the Nova Music Festival. She recounted how she fled to a bomb shelter and hid under a corpse for hours, believing that the terrorists were taking the bodies of those who had been killed. Her story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of promoting peace and understanding through music.
Preparing for the Performance
Raphael had prepared for the possibility of protests and booing during her performance, practicing her song with background noises and boos. Despite this, she remained focused on her message of hope and unity, saying "I think I expect it, but we are here to sing and I will sing my heart for everyone."
Special Appearance by Celine Dion
In a surprise move, Celine Dion appeared on stage during the semi-finals, 37 years after winning Eurovision in 1988. She spoke about the power of music to bring people together, saying "Music does not only unite us tonight, not only at this moment. It is our strength, our support, and our comfort in the moments when we need it."
