- March 22, 2025
- 2:54 pm
- World News
“The Eurovision stage is a chance to remind the world that the war in Ukraine is ongoing. Many are tired of hearing about it, but for us it’s a daily fight for survival. We need constant support, understanding, and compassion.”
“Are you afraid of Israel?” — Ukrainians shut down the provocation
The Ukrainian music band Ziferblat, representing Ukraine at Eurovision 2025 in the Swiss city of Basel, found itself at the center of a hot social debate. The reason was a provocative question from a Swiss journalist during an interview for 20 Minuten.
The journalist asked:
“Last year in Malmö, the atmosphere was tense because of Israel’s participation. Are you worried it might be the same in Basel?”
The response from the band’s frontman, Danylo Leshchynskyi, was a powerful example of diplomacy and moral strength:
“I say this with great respect to every country, but I am mostly concerned about my own people, who have been living in fear for their lives every day for ten years. Unfortunately, a tense atmosphere has become our norm. It’s difficult for me to focus on other events.”
This answer quickly went viral on social media and in the press, receiving strong support — especially from Israelis of Ukrainian origin, for whom Ukraine’s pain is deeply personal.
Context: Israel’s participation in Eurovision — between music and politics
2024: Eden Golan and the major controversy
In 2024, Israel was represented at Eurovision by Eden Golan, a singer of Ukrainian descent (her mother is Ukrainian, her father is a Latvian Jew).
Golan lived in Moscow for 13 years, where her family had moved due to her father’s job. She once performed in occupied Crimea, which led to her being added to Ukraine’s “Myrotvorets” database.
In 2022, she left Russia. Her family had been considering a move to Israel for a long time, but after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they made the final decision to relocate.
Her path to the contest was difficult:
- The first song, “October Rain”, was rejected for political content.
- The second song, “Dancing Forever”, also failed approval.
- The third attempt, “Hurricane”, was finally accepted.
During her performance, Eden faced booing and protests from pro-Palestinian activists. Nevertheless, she completed her act with dignity and was eventually met with applause.
2025: The story of Yuval Raphael
This year, Israel is represented by Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the brutal Hamas terror attack on the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. She spent more than 8 hours hiding under bodies in a shelter. Of the 40 people trapped there, only 11 survived.
Raphael has admitted that she is preparing for possible booing from the audience but is determined to represent Israel with honor. Her story is not just a personal tragedy, but a powerful symbol of Israeli resilience.
Why Ziferblat’s stance matters
A voice of dignity, not division
The Ukrainian musicians refused to engage in political games. Their reaction is an example of how to represent a country on the global stage:
- Without politicization.
- With respect for other nations.
- Focusing on their own pain and struggle.
This kind of position commands respect. It resonates especially in Israel, where tens of thousands of Ukrainian-born citizens closely follow events in their homeland and support artists who speak with honesty and dignity.
Shared experience of danger and survival
Leshchynskyi’s words reflect a broader reality shared by Ukrainians and Israelis alike. Both nations live under threat, have faced terror attacks, rocket strikes, fear, and loss. And both value resilience, self-restraint, and a focus on life — not propaganda.
NAnews — Israel News on shared pain and mutual understanding
NAnews — Israel News has repeatedly covered the complex but sincere ties between Israel and Ukraine. In recent years, their connection has deepened — from war zones to Eurovision, from terror survivors to artists who speak for their nations.
Music is more than a contest. It’s a stage where countries can demonstrate maturity, values, and dignity. That’s exactly what the band Ziferblat has done.
Table: Key events at Eurovision 2024–2025
| Year | Country | Representative | Participation Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Israel | Eden Golan | Ukrainian roots, song approved on third attempt, protests and booing |
| 2025 | Israel | Yuval Raphael | Survivor of Hamas attack, expects hostile reaction |
| 2025 | Ukraine | Ziferblat | Strong response to provocative question about Israel |
Conclusion
Ziferblat’s response wasn’t just a media quote — it voiced the emotional state of an entire nation. Their focus on their own people’s suffering, their respect for others, and their diplomatic strength are exactly the kind of voices the world needs right now.
Eurovision 2025 isn’t just about music. It reflects how countries behave in times of hardship. And Ukraine, through Ziferblat, has shown a powerful example worth admiration.
These moments bring Israel and Ukraine closer together, deepening mutual respect and trust. NAnews — Israel News will continue following how these important events unfold.
