In an exclusive interview, Shae explained why he decided to highlight Yuval’s journey. Known for his reaction videos on topics ranging from politics and entertainment to culture, Shae said her story left a deep impact on him.
Shady Shae
(Video: Lior Sharon)
“Her story really touched me. She has a very powerful voice and message,” he said. “Her Eurovision song carried a message of hope that we desperately need in the world right now. Yuval is a beacon of light.”
“She survived a massacre, and they still booed her”
“I couldn’t believe it. As humans, we should have empathy,” he said. “Imagine surviving a massacre, then going out and singing a song of hope, not condemning anyone, and still being booed. I felt her pain. I really did.”
Backlash and accusations of propaganda
Shady Shae acknowledged that he did receive some negative responses from his global audience after publicly supporting Yuval, but said the backlash was limited.
“Some people accused me of being paid for spreading propaganda,” he shared. “That’s such an antisemitic trope—assuming anyone who supports Israel is being paid to do so.”
Shae said he believes many of his critics simply don’t listen to his full message.
“They don’t watch the whole video or try to understand where I’m coming from. I’m someone who doesn’t judge. I want to understand people’s perspectives. We need to ask more questions and show empathy.”
Criticism of UK media narratives
The influencer also responded to a satirical sketch by Israeli skit show Eretz Nehederet, which mocked the BBC’s coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Shae reacted to the clip on his channel and said it resonated deeply.
“It’s very connected to what we’re seeing in British media,” he said. “In the past, we would just accept whatever the BBC said as truth. But now, many of us are questioning their narrative and choice of words. Words matter. They can downplay serious situations.”
He admitted the sketch made him laugh, but also left him emotional. “I choked on my laughter. It hit hard because people are really going through this. There were tears in my eyes.”
Asked whether he would consider visiting Israel and meeting Yuval in person, Shae said it would be an honor. “I’d love to meet her. I don’t even know if she’s aware of me, but I’d give her the biggest panda bear hug. So she knows that people truly feel her pain,” he said. “She doesn’t just sing the song—she is the song. It comes from her soul.”
