Music has always been a significant part of Hamaty’s life. Growing up in Jaffa, she first gained attention for her performances at school events and memorial ceremonies. After studying at the Rimon School of Jazz, she began building her career by releasing music and appearing on television shows.
Hamaty’s performances in Rising Star have ranged from Arabic renditions of popular songs to powerful renditions of sacred Jewish music, including the Shema, showcasing her musical versatility and willingness to bridge cultural divides.
However, her participation in Rising Star has become more than just a talent competition. Hamaty’s growing popularity is touching a nerve in Israeli society. After performing a moving duet with October 7th attack survivor Daniel Wais, she delivered an emotional rendition of "Hurricane," Israel’s unofficial anthem following the massacre. This performance resonated deeply with many, but also sparked significant debate across the country, according to Jewish breaking news reports.
The response to Hamaty’s success reflects the deep divisions in Israeli society. Many view her as a groundbreaking figure, with Arab-Israeli community member Zohura Abonar telling JTA that Hamaty is a "huge source of pride" for the community.
On the other hand, Hamaty’s strong support for Israeli causes, including her visits to wounded IDF soldiers and her wearing of a yellow pin in support of hostages, has generated criticism from some who question her loyalty or view her actions as controversial.
Jewish audiences are similarly divided. Some embrace Hamaty as a symbol of diversity and unity, while others express concern about the optics of sending a non-Jewish singer to represent Israel on the international stage. One social media user expressed, "How can we send a non-Jewish singer to represent us? After all, Israel is the state of one nation, and the symbol of the Star of David is on the flag." While this comment garnered responses accusing the author of racism, it also received more than 80 thumbs-up emojis, showing the complex mix of opinions surrounding her participation.
Amid the controversy, Hamaty’s father, Tony Hamaty, remains resolute. He acknowledges the existence of vocal critics but maintains that "the sane majority has shown nothing but love for Valerie." Through it all, he emphasizes that the loudest voices in the comment sections do not represent the broader support for his daughter.
As Hamaty’s journey on Rising Star continues, it is clear that her rise to prominence is more than just a musical achievement. It has become a focal point for broader conversations about national identity, inclusion, and the complexities of representing Israel in a global context.
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