the Performance

Raphael’s performance was described as emotion-filled and dramatic, overcoming calls for boycotts and personal trauma. Her song garnered 297 votes from viewers worldwide, which, combined with 60 votes from international juries, totaled 357 points.

Am Israel Chai, and a new day really will rise for us. It always will, no matter what happens. That’s what defines our peopel more than anything-no matter what we go through, we come back to life again and again.

Austria’s JJ won the competition with “Wasted Love,” receiving 258 points from the juries and 178 from televoters.

A Survivor’s Story

Raphael is a survivor of the Nova Festival massacre on Oct.7. Her participation in Eurovision carried profound significance, representing resilience and hope in the face of tragedy.

President Isaac Herzog congratulated Raphael,acknowledging her extraordinary performance and the pride she brought to Israel.

Frist of all, your performance was tremendous. It was perfect-exceptional. I was so moved.You are truly a daughter of Israel for all of us, breaking through the highest ceiling in the world-it’s simply incredible. Just think where you were 590 days ago.

Herzog also praised her cry of “Am Yisrael Chai,” noting its impact. Raphael expressed her honor in representing Israel and emphasized the importance of bringing the hostages home.

I will always remember that I was given this voice,and that I was given the chance to be the voice of this people. I want to thank you for the support you gave me-it strengthened me so much. I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it until everyone is home: our only and greatest victory is when all the hostages return home.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite facing hate and protests, Raphael remained focused on her message. The news of her second-place finish was a notable moment for Israelis, especially given the concurrent challenges, including a ballistic missile attack on the Tel Aviv region.

Raphael, reflecting on her experience, said she felt like they had “won life.” She recounted her harrowing experience at the Nova music festival,where she survived a Hamas attack by hiding in a bomb shelter for eight hours.

I’m grateful for the situation and our people every day of my life, to everyone who voted and gave me the feeling of victory. I’ve never felt like a winner like this. Today, I felt proud; all I wanted was to bring honor and pride to the country and give a second of peace. we won’t have a real victory until our hostages are home, Amen, Amen, Amen.

She emphasized that her performance was dedicated to representing her story and the stories of those affected by the Oct. 7 events.

I have no way to describe the situation. I feel like the message got across more than I expected.I just want to hug everyone. I… this situation is out of this world. I love you all with all my heart.

Incidents and Reactions

During Raphael’s performance, a Dutch couple attempted to disrupt the event but were stopped by security. Earlier in the week, Raphael faced anti-Israel protests, including a threatening gesture.Despite these incidents, she remained determined.

Raphael praised Austria’s JJ for his victory, acknowledging his talent. She reiterated that her focus was on delivering a message to the world.

Honestly,I wasn’t focused on the fact that it was being broadcast to millions,as much as I focused on the fact that there was a message being delivered to so manny people-and that’s what I concentrated on. I didn’t focus on the number of viewers, but on the fact that I had something to say, and I wanted to scream it out loud.

Raphael’s journey to Eurovision and her performance of “New Day Will Rise” symbolize resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of the Israeli people.