Yuval Raphael: From Survivor to Eurovision Star—10 Things You Didn't Know

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10 Things You Didn't Know About Yuval Raphael – The Survivor Repping Israel at Eurovision 2025

Yuval Raphael’s story is straight out of a Netflix drama. One minute, she’s living her best life at the Nova Festival; the next, she’s surviving one of the darkest days in Israeli history. Fast forward to 2025, and this 24-year-old queen is now Israel’s Eurovision rep, ready to light up the stage in Basel, Switzerland. It’s giving resilient icon vibes, right?

But Yuval’s journey isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. From playing dead under a pile of bodies (seriously, the strength!) to belting out Demi Lovato covers that scored her a near-perfect 98% on The Next Star for Eurovision, Yuval’s story is the definition of don’t count me out. Oh, and did we mention she’s fluent in English, French, and Hebrew? This girl’s got range in every sense of the word.

Whether it’s her emotional performances, her commitment to sharing her truth, or her mission to represent Israel with strength and pride, Yuval is the moment. So, let’s break it down—here are 10 things you didn’t know about this absolute powerhouse.

1. She's got a Switzerland connection

Before making waves in Israel, Yuval spent three years of her childhood living in Switzerland. Her family moved there when she was six due to her parents’ work, and she’s carried a piece of Switzerland with her ever since. So when she steps onto the Eurovision stage in Basel, it’s more than just a competition—it’s a full-circle moment. Fun fact: She’s fluent in English and French alongside Hebrew, which is definitely going to give her a major edge connecting with the international audience.

2. She survived the unthinkable

On October 7, 2023, Yuval attended the Nova Festival with friends, hoping for a day of music and carefree vibes. Instead, the event became the site of a horrifying terrorist attack by Hamas. Trapped in a bomb shelter with over 40 people, Yuval survived by playing dead under piles of bodies. Eight grueling hours later, she was rescued by IDF troops—but only 11 people in that shelter made it out alive. She still has shrapnel in her leg and head, but instead of letting that day define her, Yuval has chosen to stand strong and tell her story to the world.

3. Music was her way back

After the massacre, Yuval struggled to reclaim her life. Music became her anchor, helping her channel her pain into something powerful and healing. In her words, “Music is one of the strongest ingredients in my healing process.” Every note she sings carries the weight of her experience, making her performances not just beautiful but deeply meaningful.

4. Her audition? Practically iconic

When Yuval auditioned for The Next Star for Eurovision, she sang Demi Lovato’s emotional ballad “Anyone” and absolutely crushed it with a near-perfect score of 98%. The judges were floored, and the audience was instantly captivated. It was clear from day one that Yuval wasn’t just competing—she was destined for something bigger.

5. She dedicated her final song to Nova victims

Yuval’s final performance on The Next Star was a moment no one could forget. She delivered a stripped-back, emotional version of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and dedicated it to the victims of the Nova Festival massacre. With her powerful voice and raw emotion, she brought the entire room to tears. “This is for all the angels who couldn’t make it out that day,” she said.

6. She once sang with a fallen soldier

In a hauntingly beautiful twist of fate, Yuval once performed Coldplay’s “Fix You” with Shauli Greenglick, a contestant from a previous season of The Next Star who later died in battle. After her win, a video of their duet in South America resurfaced, sending chills down the spines of everyone who watched. It’s moments like these that show just how intertwined her journey is with those around her.

7. Her teacher saw her star potential first

Before making her big debut, Yuval studied vocal development with Israeli music legend Ruhama Raz. Ruhama was the first to see Yuval’s spark, telling her, “You’re wonderful—you just need to be more liberated.” That advice clearly stuck, because now Yuval’s not just liberated; she’s unstoppable.

8. Body positivity is her mission

Yuval has always been open about her struggles with body image. On The Next Star, she revealed that as a kid, she was body-shamed by a teacher who made her wear baggy men’s shirts to school. That experience could have crushed her, but instead, it gave her the strength to embrace herself fully. Now, she’s using her platform to promote self-love and show others that beauty comes in every shape and size.

9. She's an international advocate

Yuval isn’t just about the music—she’s also about making a difference. Over the past year, she’s spoken on some of the biggest platforms in the world, including the UN Human Rights Council, sharing her survival story and advocating for awareness about Israel’s reality. She’s proof that you can use your voice for so much more than singing.

10. Eurovision is deeply personal

Basel, Switzerland, where Eurovision 2025 will be held, isn’t just another random city for Yuval—it’s a place that shaped her childhood. Competing there is more than just a career milestone; it’s a deeply personal moment that brings her journey full circle. “I’m standing on that stage with my country’s flag, turning my pain into power,” she’s said. Her mission? To show the world not just the pain she’s been through but the strength she’s found on the other side.

Yuval Raphael isn’t just representing Israel at Eurovision 2025—she’s representing survival, strength, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Her story is a reminder that no matter how dark things get, there’s always a way to rise, rebuild, and reclaim your light. From the Nova Festival to the global Eurovision stage, Yuval is showing the world what resilience looks like, and honestly? We’re obsessed.

She’s not just singing for herself—she’s carrying the stories of her people, her country, and everyone who’s faced the impossible and come out stronger. Whether it’s her powerful voice or her unshakable pride, Yuval is proving that she’s not here to seek pity—she’s here to slay.

When she takes the stage in Basel, it won’t just be about hitting the high notes (although, spoiler: she will). It’ll be about standing tall, making waves, and leaving a legacy.

Keep vibing with inspiring stories like this at Woke Waves Magazine.

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