Israel Faces Eurovision Protests Amid 2025 Semifinal in Basel

Israel's participation in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel has sparked protests and controversy amid the ongoing Gaza war. Yuval Raphael, Israel's 24-year-old contestant and a survivor of the Hamas attack on a music festival, is favored to advance to the final with her song "New Day Will Rise," despite facing likely boos similar to last year. Around 200 demonstrators marched silently in Basel, demanding Israel's expulsion from Eurovision and highlighting the perceived inconsistency in allowing Israel while banning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Eurovision fans and commentators remain divided, with some emphasizing that Israel has not violated Eurovision rules unlike Russia in 2022, while others argue that politics should not overshadow the competition. The event has implemented heightened security and new safeguarding measures to protect artists, aiming to keep the focus on music rather than geopolitical tensions. Other participants, including the UK representatives, express excitement about the competition and the unity Eurovision symbolizes despite the complex political backdrop.