Survivor of Nova Music Festival to Represent Israel at Eurovision 2025

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Yuval Raphael, a 24-year-old survivor of the October 2023 Nova Music Festival attack, has been selected to represent Israel in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Raphael gained prominence after winning season 11 of "The Next Star," a popular Israeli singing competition.

The Nova Music Festival, tragically, was the site of a massacre where hundreds were killed or taken hostage by Hamas militants. Raphael's harrowing story includes fleeing the scene and hiding in a bomb shelter for over eight hours, trapped under bodies while she played dead to survive. This deeply personal experience resonated with audiences and judges alike during her performances.

In her recent finale performance, Raphael delivered renditions of ABBA's "Dancing Queen" and Sam Smith's "Writing's on the Wall," showcasing her vocal talents. As the Eurovision 2025 approaches, Raphael hopes to share her story on an international stage, advocating for peace and resilience through her music. The contest is expected to attract over 200 million viewers worldwide, reinforcing Eurovision's status as a significant cultural event despite ongoing political tensions surrounding Israel's participation.

The Eurovision Song Contest will be held in May 2025.

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