Raphael won the talent hunt "Hakochav haba" on Wednesday evening and is thus clear for the ESC, which takes place in Basel in May. Which song she will perform will be determined by Israel's public service company Kan at a later time during the spring.
Raphael is one of the survivors of the Hamas attack on the Israeli music festival Nova on October 7, 2023, when 370 people were killed. She has since traveled the world to tell her story, and wants to do so also in the ESC.
I want to tell the story of my country, about what I and others went through. I want to tell, but not by seeking sympathy. I want to stand strong through the boos I am a hundred percent sure will come, she said in "Hakochav haba" according to The Times of Israel.
Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has been debated since the war in Gaza began and last year's competition was marked by protests against the country's participation.
