Eurovision 2025: Israel's Loss Fuels Celebrations and Protests Across Europe

Eurovision 2025: Israel's Loss Sparks Joy and Protest Across Europe Basel, Switzerland – The results of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 have ignited a firestorm of reactions across Europe. While Austria's victory was celebrated, the loss of Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael prompted widespread jubilation in many parts of the continent, captured in numerous videos circulating on social media. These videos show crowds in various locations erupting in cheers and applause upon hearing the results, a stark contrast to the reactions of some Israeli supporters. The joyous scenes are a reflection of months of intense debate and controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the contest. Critics, pointing to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, argued that Israel should have been barred from Eurovision. A petition calling for Israel's disqualification gathered tens of thousands of signatures, and dozens of former Eurovision contestants publicly voiced their support for a ban. "It's simply unacceptable for a country engaged in such a brutal war to participate in a competition that's supposed to be about unity and peace," stated one prominent activist at a protest outside the venue in Basel. Protests, indeed, were held outside the venue in Basel, Switzerland, further highlighting the divisions caused by Israel's participation. However, Eurovision organizers maintained that the event is 'non-political,' a claim challenged by the intensity of the public response. The contrasting reactions – jubilation in some places and outrage in others – underscore the complex geopolitical landscape that continues to shape international events.