EUR WHAT!
Eurovision chaos as ‘Brit protesters try to storm stage during Israel’s performance’ – and now face arrest
Protesters had earlier burnt the Israeli flag in Bern as the city hosted Eurovision
THREE protesters who attempted to storm the Eurovision stage during Israel's performance in tonight's finale were Brits.
The trio now face arrest by Swiss cops after they were stopped by security before they could reach the limelight.
11
11
11
The Brits, from a group called Youth Demand, revealed themselves to the media in an email following the stunt, which failed to be seen on TV.
Their attempt came during a performance by Israel's Yuval Raphael - a survivor of the brutal October 7 Hamas terror attack.
The 24-year-old managed to survive the massacre at the Nova music festival by hiding under piles of bodies and pretending to be dead.
Raphael represented Israel with the powerful ballad New Day Will Rise - sung in English, French, and Hebrew.
more on Eurovision 2025
One of the protesters can be heard shouting “Free Palestine” in footage Youth Demand posted to social media of the protest.
An Israeli audience member recounted: "It was a stressful situation. A group of us were standing with Israeli flags, cheering for Yuval.
"Just after she began to sing, two people- A huge man and a woman, rushed toward us and threw paint while shouting ‘Free Palestine.’
"Security reacted quickly, covered them with a flag, and escorted them out of the venue.
Most read in Music
"We’re still covered in paint, but trying to calm down and enjoy the rest of the show.”
A spokesman for the organisers said: “At the end of the Israeli performance, a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage.
Eurovision’s 2024 winner calls for show hopeful to be AXED just days ahead of Contest final
“They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit.
"The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.”
Earlier, demonstrators marched through the city square and burnt Israeli flags and protest against Israel's participation in the competition.
Protesters held up signs which read "boycott Israel apartheid" and "no stage for genocide".
11
11
Israel's inclusion in the song contest has been the subject of deep controversy following the country's intense bombardment of Gaza and its blockade of food and humanitarian supplies.
Raphael is considered one of the favourites to win the contest with bookies, despite the protests and controversies.
During the semifinal, the Raphael was booed by the crowd.
Raphael told the BBC: "I think I'm expecting it [booing]. But we are here to sing, and I'm going to sing my heart out for everyone.
"Everybody has opinions. I'm really putting everything aside and just concentrating on the most important thing.
"The slogan this year is 'united by music' and that's what we are here for."
11
11
11
Protesters with Palestinian flags also tried to disrupt the Israeli contestant's dress rehearsal on Thursday.
Israel's National Security Council (NSC) has put out an advisory to the country's citizens travelling for the event.
"International events of this type are a prime target for threats and attacks by various terrorist groups," the council warned.
The NSC, along with Israel's Diaspora Affairs Ministry, its expected to expand its presence and monitoring activities during the finale.
A situation room is being operated with two deputies on-site over the weekend to maintain constant communication with Israeli citizens.
Citizens travelling are also required to install the IDF Home Front Command's emergency alert app to stay alert to any security threats.
11
11
Gilad Kariv, chair of Israel’s Knesset Committee on Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs, said: "Every Israeli currently in Switzerland should make sure the Home Front Command app is installed.
"Anti-Israeli activity poses a risk to Israeli supporters and fans in Basel.
"We requested that the Foreign Ministry's situation room be fully staffed, with social media monitoring and real-time tracking of planned protests."
Read More on The Sun
Similar security efforts were carried out by Israel at last year's Eurovision in Sweden too.
Israel's secret service Shin Bet sent over a delegation of officials to Malmo to help co-ordinate security arrangements.
11
Topics