Israeli singer Yuval Raphael was left “shaken and upset” after pro-Palestinian protesters tried to storm the stage during the Eurovision Song Contest final.
The incident took place as the October 7 survivor sang her entry New Day Will Rise, which was greeted with cheers and boos, as BBC Eurovision commentator Graham Norton said there was a “mixed response” in the arena in Basel, Switzerland.
A spokesman for Israeli broadcaster Kan said the protesters “were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset”.
“The delegation was needed to move location for 15 minutes,” he added.
“At the same time, a big anti-Israel protest takes place in the centre of Basel. Israeli national security council issued a warning to Israeli civilians in the city to keep a low profile.”
A spokesman for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: “At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage.
“They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.”
Swiss police confirmed the two people were handed over to them and that they have now been released.
A spokesman for Basel police said: “The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.”
Before the performance, pro-Palestine protesters lay in front of police on a bridge over the Rhine River in Basel.
The demonstrators smeared themselves in fake blood and wore ‘Boycott Israel’ t-shirts while holding up banners and waving the Palestine flag. Others carried white blankets that seemingly represented children.
Hundreds reportedly took part in the protest accusing the country of genocide in Gaza and calling for them to be banned from Eurovision. It was in contrast to a protest that happened on Wednesday (14 May) which was a silent protest.
Israel’s involvement in the music competition has been a point of significant controversy this year, amid the ongoing violence in Palestine.
Palestinian health authorities state that more than 52,800 people, a large proportion of whom are women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Gaza conflict, which many human rights organisations have described as a genocide. Israel’s military offensive was launched after an attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people at the Nova festival.
Raphael told the BBC in advance of the performance that she was “expecting” to be booed. “But we are here to sing and I'm going to sing my heart out for everyone,” she added.
During Thursday’s semi-final, boos were reported during Raphael’s performance. While muted booing could be heard in the broadcast, some viewers have claimed that the audience dissent was minimised or artificially drowned out.
In a statement provided to The Independent, a spokesperson for SRG SSR said: “For the Eurovision Song Contest, the host broadcaster SRG SSR is working with the ‘audio sweetening’ method, which is common practice for major international productions.
“This process helps to harmonise the sound of the transitions between moderations, video clips and the individual acts and to create a consistent soundscape for the TV audience.”
They continued: “It is used exclusively for the technical rounding off of the programme,” they continued. “This process is used equally and identically for all acts. The competition and its results are not affected in any way.”
Martin Green CBE, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “Our fans have demonstrated their passion and fairness brilliantly so far at the event with an incredible atmosphere in the arena for all the rehearsals and the First and Second Semi Finals.
“Their commitment as ever has been amazing, and we trust them to support all artists in the spirit of being united by music. Obviously, we're watching all shows closely and look forward to welcoming thousands more to enjoy the live Eurovision Song Contest experience.”
Amid wider criticism of Israel, there had been calls to bar the country from competing at this year’s Eurovision, with over 70 former contestants signing an open letter calling for Israel, and Israel’s national broadcaster KAN, to be banned.
Pro-Palestine protester’s hair pulled as attempted Eurovision disruption blocked
Eurovision 2025 viewers defend Remember Monday after zero points blow
Eurovision 2025 results live: Austria wins dramatic final after nail-biting finish
Eurovision: UK’s Remember Monday reacts to nul points for second year running
At Eurovision, politics once more intrudes upon this formerly big fun pop lark
Austria wins controversial Eurovision 2025 while UK flops for the second year running
