Eurovision says it's "United By Music." Here's what that really looked like for Israel since October 7.
A thread🧵:
Since the Hamas massacre in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel faced unprecedented challenges at Eurovision:
• Protests demanding removal
• Death threats requiring security protection
• Some performers refused to interact backstage
• Five countries boycotted in 2026
But something else happened too. Something the headlines missed.
*🇮🇱 2024: Eden Golan - "Hurricane"*
Public vote: 323 points - *2nd place*
Jury vote: 12th place
Final: 5th place
*14 countries gave Israel their maximum 12 points.*
While some tried to isolate her, millions of people across Europe voted for her.
*🇮🇱 2025: Yuval Raphael - "New Day Will Rise"*
Public vote: 297 points - *#1 IN THE WORLD* 🏆
Jury vote: 14th place
Final: 2nd place
Yuval - a survivor of the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival - won more public votes than any country in Eurovision history.
The people saw her story. They voted.
*The pattern is clear:*
*2024:* Public vote 2nd | Jury vote 12th
*2025:* Public vote *1st* 🏆 | Jury vote 14th
Institutions placed Israel near the bottom.
Everyday people lifted Israel to the top.
Yes, five countries boycotted 2026: Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland.
But *39 countries stayed.* They kept competing. They kept the music going.
Belgium's contestant Essyla defended Israel's right to compete: "It remains one big musical family, united by the universal language of music."
Despite the protests outside.
Despite the political pressure.
Despite the hostile coverage.
Millions of Europeans picked up their phones and voted for Israel.
Not because of politics. Because of the *music. The courage. The story.*
"United by Music" faced its biggest test since October 7, 2023.
Some governments walked away.
Some institutions tried to isolate Israel.
But *the people* chose differently.
They voted for talent. For resilience. For what Eurovision is supposed to be about.
And that's the real story. 🇮🇱🎶
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