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The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 took place in Basel, Switzerland, at the St. Jakobshalle arena. During the Grand Final, a dramatic security breach occurred during Israeli competitor Yuval Raphael's performance. She was singing her song "New Day Will Rise" when two protesters attempted to storm the stage.
The protesters were halted in their tracks before reaching the stage. One crew member was splattered with paint, but no injury was reported. The incident was not witnessed in the live TV broadcast.
This was part of a broader battle regarding Israel's involvement in Eurovision 2025. Protests had been frequent in and around the venue throughout the day prior to the show.
Who were the protesters, and what happened on the Eurovision 2025 stage?
According to The Hollywood Reporter on May 17, 2025, a man and a woman associated with Youth Demand, a group that has previously advocated for Palestinian rights, were the ones who tried to create a ruckus. The two attempted to vault the security fence close to the stage immediately following Yuval Raphael's act.
Security officers intercepted them before they reached Raphael. One of the protesters splashed paint, which landed on a crew member working near the stage. The crew member was not injured, and the matter was brought under control instantly.
Independent also reported on May 17, 2025, that security removed the demonstrators from the arena and transferred them to the Basel police. The police released them after a brief check. The organizers of Eurovision will now determine whether legal action will be taken against them.
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How did Yuval Raphael and the audience respond?
Yuval Raphael was upset and shaken after the incident. Her team left their seats for about 15 minutes as a safety step. She was still able to finish her performance, and the audience clapped at the end.
As reported by Euronews on May 17, 2025, there were both cheers and boos during her song. Reactions to her presence at Eurovision had been mixed from the start. The situation remained calm inside the arena after the stage incident.
GB News added that Raphael’s performance had already drawn attention due to her personal story. She is a survivor of the October 7 Nova festival attack. This background added more meaning to her song and raised the level of emotion and security concerns around her appearance.
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Why was this Eurovision contest controversial?
According to Time Magazine on May 17, 2025, most people had demanded that Israel be excluded from the competition this year. They felt that Eurovision should not facilitate states embroiled in wars or human rights violations to participate. Due to these fears, there were massive protests near the venue.
The activist collective Youth Demand then claimed responsibility for the protest. GB News on May 17, 2025, reported that they branded the protest as part of their campaign opposing Israeli activity in Gaza. The group utilized the time to promote their message and demand change.
Other interruptions occurred earlier in the week. Six individuals disrupted Raphael's rehearsal with whistles and flags. Security also ejected them promptly. The frequent occurrences indicated the high rate of protests surrounding this year's event.
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The failed stage invasion during Eurovision 2025 did not deter the event. Security responded quickly, and no one was hurt. Yuval Raphael was also able to complete her song. Nevertheless, the incident revealed the extent of the tensions surrounding Israel's participation.
Protest and calls for reform could persist in coming contests, and the European Broadcasting Union could be forced to revise its regulations. As politics increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a sole emphasis on music at events such as Eurovision.
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