Yuval Raphael knows he has a big challenge ahead of him. The representative of Israel at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take the stage on Thursday (May 15) in the second round of semifinals, amidst tensions surrounding his country’s participation in the global singing competition due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The 24-year-old singer tells Billboard that he is ready to face whatever comes his way: “Each of us is going through difficult times and none of us is immune to it.”
Raphael is a survivor of the October 7, 2023 massacre at the Nova Festival in Israel, part of a surprise attack in which Hamas assailants killed over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 men, women, and children, triggering a year and a half-long war between Israel and the militant group. (Before speaking with Billboard, according to contest rules, Raphael’s team emphasized that the singer could not answer questions about his escape from the Nova massacre or comment on the war in any way).
The singer earned his spot at Eurovision by emerging victorious on the Israeli talent show Hakohav Haba (Rising Star). His inspiring anthem “New Day Will Rise” is his first professional effort after a lifetime of singing in his bedroom. “In my heart, I knew this was going to happen and I used to imagine myself on big stages… but now, doing it professionally feels like a dream come true,” Raphael tells Billboard via WhatsApp.
The song includes verses in French, Hebrew, and English, the latter being an international language that he believes will help audiences connect with the lyrics. “I wanted the message to be there and understood,” he says about the emotional theme in which he sings: “New day will rise, life will go on/ Everyone cries, don’t cry alone/ Darkness will fade, all the pain will go by/ But we will stay, even if you say goodbye.”
As he vies for a spot in the final on Saturday (May 17), Raphael says the song’s strong message of hope will resonate with audiences, pointing to the chorus line about crying as the key to its emotional impact. “Crying is not a bad thing, it’s a way to express your emotions and let everything out instead of keeping it inside,” he says. “And crying with someone else or with someone who can relate to your pain is so healing… I hope they take the message of embracing each other and giving each other hope.”
As is the case with many entries at Eurovision, “New Day Will Rise” has an inspiring, emotionally charged lyrics and a broad message. Raphael will perform it from inside a huge silver structure, surrounded by dancers and special effects. He hopes that his performance will not only showcase his vocal abilities, but also convey the powerful message of unity and hope in the face of adversity. With his powerful voice and emotional delivery, Raphael is sure to leave a lasting impression on the Eurovision stage and inspire audiences around the world.