Israeli lacrosse team to forfeit game rather than play on Sabbath
Team Israel has a date with Canada, and now — officially — a date with its conscience.
The women’s lacrosse team from Israel beat New Zealand 12-9 on Wednesday to guarantee themselves a spot in the top eight at the World Cup in Oshawa. Not bad for a team that didn’t exist the last time the World Cup was a played.
The 5-1 Israelis get second-seeded Canada (3-1) in the playoff round Thursday.
But win or lose Thursday and Friday, they put themselves in the top-eight bracket that has games set for Saturday — the Sabbath. The team has vowed not to break with Israel’s traditions and will forfeit their game on the Sabbath (or Shabbat) because it is a sacred day of rest....
Dr. Alan Cairns | 4/13/2009
