Shalom, friends.

Tonight, as voices from across Europe and beyond gather in song, we are reminded that Eurovision is more than just a contest. It’s a celebration of culture, identity, and unity. And for us—for the Jewish people—it’s also an opportunity. Tonight, as this hall is filled with lights and music, we gather not just as spectators—but as a people carrying deep emotions, heavy memories, and unbreakable hope.

For many of us, the past months have been unspeakably hard. Many of us have faced antisemitism—in the streets, online, even in schools and universities. The families of hostages are still waiting for their loved ones to come home.We carry scars that are both visible and invisible.

And yet—we are here. And that means something.

An opportunity to stand tall.
To stand proud.
And yes, to stand with Israel and with Yuval Raphael.

Because to be present, to stand with one another, to raise our voices in a place like this—on an international stage—is not a small act. It is a declaration. A declaration that says:

We are still here.
We will not hide.
We will not be silenced.
And we will not let fear define us.

Supporting Israel at Eurovision isn’t about endorsing a government or a policy. It’s about something deeper. It’s about identity. It’s about refusing to be silenced. And it’s about remembering that in a time when antisemitism is again on the rise across Europe, showing up visibly, joyfully, and unapologetically Jewish is an act of courage.

Yuval Raphael isn’t just a contestant. She is an artist—a symbol of Israel’s diverse, creative spirit. Through her music, she reminds the world that Israel is not only a place of politics and conflict, but of poetry, passion, and possibility.

When we stand for her, we stand for our right to participate. To celebrate. To belong.

Because let’s face it: there are those who would prefer Israel weren’t on this stage. There are voices that try to boycott, cancel, or erase. But Eurovision is meant to build bridges, not walls. And bridges are only built when we show up, stand together, and sing back.

So if you’re wondering whether to cheer, to wave that flag, or to raise your voice—know this: your support is more than symbolic. It’s a message.
A message that we are still here.
That we won’t hide who we are.
And that we believe in art, in dialogue, and in the power of song to transcend borders.

So tonight, stand tall.
Stand with Yuval.
Stand with Israel.
And stand for the kind of world where inclusion beats exclusion—every time.

Tonight, as Yuval Raphael stands on stage representing Israel, she carries more than a song. She carries stories, heartbreak, resilience—and the hopes of an entire people. She represents the soul of Israel: diverse, creative, defiant, full of life.

When we stand for her, we’re not just supporting an artist. We’re standing for every child singing in a bomb shelter. For every parent waiting by the phone. For every Jew who wonders if it’s safe to walk down the street wearing a Star of David.

Eurovision is about more than politics. It’s about voices. About showing the world who we are—not through headlines, but through humanity.

And who are we?

We are survivors.
We are dreamers.
We are builders of peace, seekers of justice, lovers of music and of life.

So let this be a moment of healing, of pride, of unity. Not a denial of our grief—but a refusal to let grief have the last word.

To those feeling afraid: you’re not alone.
To those who’ve been targeted: we see you. We believe you.
And to those still holding on to hope—you are our light.

Let’s stand for Israel.
Let’s stand for Yuval.
Let’s stand for every voice still waiting to be heard.

And let’s do it with love, with courage, and with the unshakable knowledge that Am Yisrael Chai—the people of Israel live.

Thank you.