The Shalva group, which includes members who are blind and have Down syndrome, says the European Broadcasting Union discriminate against Orthodox Jews after denying their request for scheduling changes and staging compulsory rehearsals on the Jewish Sabbath.
By the Associated Press
An Israeli band that includes musicians with special needs has dropped out of the Eurovision Song Contest because it would force some of its observant members to perform on a Saturday, the Jewish day of rest.
The Shalva group said Wednesday it’s quitting Israel’s qualifying competition after the Eurovision organizers said it would make no exceptions for the Jewish state’s ultimate winner. Continue Reading »
Israeli New Shekel Exchange Rate