Israel has chosen a survivor of the deadly October 7 Hamas attack to represent the nation at this year's Eurovision contest.
Yuval Rafael, who told of how she hid under bodies inside a bomb shelter for eight hours at the Nova music festival on that fateful day, won an award Hakochav Haba (Next Star) The Israeli talent show will therefore compete in Switzerland in May. The news comes just days after the start of a ceasefire in Gaza, as hostages are slowly being returned to their families.
Raphael has spoken publicly in the past about the trauma she suffered from the attack, speaking at the UN Human Rights Council and explaining that she still suffers from shrapnel wounds to her head and leg. The Nova Music Festival saw dozens kidnapped and killed by Hamas, and was the scene of utter devastation that day more than 15 months ago.
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During the final of the Israeli music competition, Raphael sang ABBA's “Dancing Queen,” and the BBC reported that she dedicated it to “all the angels” killed at the festival. “I can't explain how excited and prepared I am! Thank you for giving me this great honor and for trusting me to represent my country on the big Eurovision stage in Switzerland,” she reportedly said after winning the show.
Last year's Israeli entry titled “October Rain” was met with controversy and was eventually forced to change the song's lyrics for being overly political.
Eurovision will be held in Basel, Switzerland in 2025 after Swiss team Nemo won last year.
