Demonstrators fall during Eurovision performance in Basel!

Demonstrators fall during Eurovision performance in Basel!

On May 17, 2025, a dramatic incident occurred during the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. Security forces prevented the storm of the final stage by two demonstrators, while the Israeli singer Yuval Raphael appeared. A witness reported that the two protesters climbed over the railing and tried to reach the stage. One of the demonstrators called "Free Palestine", while the other color sprayed on the security personnel. Despite the tense situation, none of the demonstrators managed to enter the stage, as the security forces intervened immediately and held them. The two of the police were later handed over, but they released them after a check. It is up to the organizer to decide whether the demonstrator is filed, as reported [OE24].

Yuval Raphael, who has represented Israel in Basel, was previously selected by their victory in the Talentshow Hakokhav Haba. Her victory was celebrated at the final, which took place in the NEVE ILAN Communications Center. Raphael prevailed against three other finalists: Daniel Weiss (4th place), Red Band & Moran Aharoni (3rd place) and Valerie Hamaty (2nd place). The complete contribution that she will perform in Basel is selected by a committee from music and television professionals and has been announced for March in a program on Kan 11, said [Eurovoix].

demonstrations and security measures

parallel to the Eurovision final, there was an unexpected rally against Israel and its participation in the song Contest. According to the police, around 500 to 1000 people took part in this demonstration, which began at Barfüsserplatz, near the “Eurovision Square”. Some of the demonstrators were masked and tried to tear Israeli flags of proisraeli participants. The police intervened and warned the flag, while leading the proisraeli men. In this campaign, there were tensions, which, however, ended without serious incidents, as [SRF] reported.

The demonstration was part of protests that took place on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Nakba and was organized by the BDS Geneva movement. In Geneva, over 2500 people demonstrated on the same afternoon for the Gaza population. While the police tried to lead the demonstrators in Basel, many ignored the instructions and moved towards the middle bridge. There were further tensions there because the police locked the bridge with a panel van and asked the participants to another route. After about 45 minutes, the demonstrators continued towards Blumenrain, where the police stopped their advance.

The Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that not only offers musical highlights, but also has a context of social and political relevance. Yuval Raphael will make headlines with her appearance as part of these complex dynamics.