Israel has advanced to the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, despite facing protests that attempted to disrupt its dress rehearsal. Yuval Raphael, the 24-year-old contestant, sang her entry, “New Day Will Rise,” amid demonstrations where six individuals brandishing oversized Palestinian flags interrupted her performance. The organizers of the event, Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, promptly removed the protesters, adhering to the arena's regulations regarding flag sizes.
Israel's participation in Eurovision remains contentious, particularly due to the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza. Calls for a reevaluation of Israel's role in the contest have been echoed by broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, along with demonstrations taking place within Basel.
Raphael's performance was not hindered by the earlier disturbances, and her progression to the final was marked by her expressive gesture of clasping her hands and blowing a kiss after her qualification was announced. Currently, her song is listed among the favorites for victory according to bookmakers.
The second semi-final featured other prominent entries, with ten acts successfully advancing, including those from Armenia, Austria, Denmark, and Finland, while notable eliminations included Australia and Ireland. The latter, historically a powerhouse in Eurovision, has seen a decline, failing to qualify in eight of their last ten attempts.
Performance highlights of the semi-final included Finnish artist Erika Vikman, who delivered a dynamic and visually engaging show, and Latvian folk group Tautumeitas, who brought a unique sound with their harmonious approach, emphasizing humanity's connection to nature.
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday evening at St. Jakobshalle, broadcast live through various platforms. As the contest unfolds, it promises not only musical showcase but also a rich tapestry of cultural expressions and political sentiments that are reflective of the current global landscape.
