Israeli Shalva Band inspires Oscar-winning Hollywood star Jamie Foxx

“This is so beautiful and close to my heart!… What an inspiring group of talented young men and women!” said Foxx on Facebook.

By World Israel News Staff 

Shalva, a non-profit organization that supports and empowers individuals with disabilities and their families in Israel, made headlines first in Israel and then in Europe with the bid by its band to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in May, which took place in Tel Aviv.

Ultimately, the band pulled out of the competition because taking part in the contest would have meant violating the Jewish Sabbath. However, the group made a special appearance at the European event, not as part of the competition, and received roaring applause from the audience and rave reviews in the media, including from the BBC.

Now, a few months later, the band has received the attention of American actor, singer, songwriter, record producer, and comedian Jamie Foxx.

“This is so beautiful and close to my heart! As many of you know, my sister is the face of Global Down Syndrome Foundation. What an inspiring group of talented young men and women!” said  Foxx on Facebook on Tuesday, sharing a video from Israeli Kan public broadcasting of the group’s performance at the Eurovision event.

The band’s performers have a range of disabilities including blindness, visual impairment, Williams’ Syndrome, and Down Syndrome. The group’s director served in an elite Israeli army unit when he suffered a life-threatening injury 13 years ago.

“Through the rehabilitative process, he appreciated everyone who helped him along the way and once back to himself, decided it was time to give back to the community,” says the Shalva website.

On Wednesday, Shalva shared the post by Foxx and wrote on its own Facebook page: “It’s not every day we wake up to see that Oscar-winning actors are listening to our music.

“Wow! Jamie Foxx, thanks so much for the share… we owe you one, need a song for your next movie?”

Eurovision Song ContestShalva