The Shalva Band during its audition on Israel's 'Rising Star' singing competition. Photo: Screenshot.
Israeli Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev asked the producers of Eurovision on Monday to accommodate the Shalva Band and its observance of Shabbat if it was chosen to represent Israel in the annual singing competition.
The Shalva Band, an eight-person group comprised of young adult musicians with disabilities, is one of four finalists on the "Rising Star" singing contest competing to represent Israel in Eurovision, which is set to be held in Tel Aviv in May. The band is considering backing out of the competition because three of the band's members observe Shabbat and are concerned that if chosen to compete in Eurovision they would be forced to work on the Jewish day of rest, The Algemeiner previously reported. The final round of Eurovision is broadcast live on a Saturday night, but participants must take part in rehearsals during the day.
Shalva requested to pre-record its rehearsal to avoid working on Shabbat, but Israel's Walla reported that EBU said all performances must be done live. The report added that Keshet, the TV channel that airs "Rising Star," said the possibility of sending only the non-religious Shalva members to compete in Eurovision was not an option for the band.