Watch: Shalva Band performs 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'

• Date: 15 March 2021
• Author: Arutz Sheva Staff
• Published date: 15 March 2021

The performance was held in honor of Shalva's 31st anniversary celebration, which was aptly themed "Building Bridges to the Future."

The guest speaker was H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States and one of the key architects of the Abraham Accords, which have expanded opportunities and collaboration between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain.

"It is an honor to participate in the American Friends of Shalva's 31st anniversary event," said Ambassador Al Otaiba. "The United Arab Emirates shares Shalva's unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities. In the UAE, those with intellectual disabilities or special needs are referred to as people of determination, in recognition of their achievements across different fields."

"The collaboration to create the special rendition of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' demonstrates how we must all continue to work together – regardless of nationality, religion or culture – to promote positive social change and foster more inclusive societies."

Shalva, Israel's leading center for people with disabilities, organized the moving musical collaboration, led by the Shalva Band, which comprises eight talented musicians with disabilities and signifies the start of a lasting and strong partnership between Israel and the UAE working together for the greater good of humanity.

Shalva has already begun actively working together with their UAE counterparts, with the goal of advancing the field of disability-care...