Team forfeits rather than play on Sabbath

By Around the Web

(TORONTO STAR) — 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.

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