About three kilometers from the arena, thousands of demonstrators met to protest against Israel’s participation in the competition. The organizers of the rally warned the participants of infiltrated security guards and urged them not to film or share personal details. Some groups of Israeli fans have advised to avoid confrontations and contact the police in the event of clashes. Public transport in the region would have been disrupted.
In a message published on social networks before the final, Raphael said that performance was more than a personal stage.
“Tonight, I’m going on the last step and has a huge dream,” she wrote. “But I never imagined that I would feel like a messenger, a voice. Something deep and strong and much more significant … I feel a sense of responsibility, a privilege and a deep desire to give everything – for you. The song is yours. You are on this scene with me.”
Raphael’s mother LIAT also offered support words: “You deserve this 100%,” she said. “You are so precise to represent our people. I’m proud of you. “
The Corporation of Israeli public broadcasting, Kan, stolen in a group of friends from Raphael – the survivors of the attack led by Hamas on October 7 at the Nova Music Festival – to attend the final. Ten of them went to Switzerland, but only six tickets obtained. “We are like a family,” said one of them. “We cannot leave anyone behind.” Kan had made arrangements for the group to attend the residential rehearsal on Friday, but said that he had trouble obtaining additional tickets for the final.
Despite the tension, the delegation of Israel expressed confidence in Raphaël’s performance after the last series of rehearsals.
“The rehearsal of the jury last night was the best it has ever been,” said the chief of the Yoav delegation Tzafir. “It was perfect. If the judges do not mark it, it is no longer a question of music.”
Tzafir urged supporters abroad to vote. “Everyone must vote for us 20 times,” he said. “It’s important, and it’s our chance to show who we are.”
