Israel's High Court Reaffirms Required Religious Accommodation For Fencing Championships

In a decision handed down yesterday, Israel's High Court of Justice refused to lift an interim order it issued last year requiring that national fencing championship organizers accommodate the Sabbath observance of competitor Yuval Freilich-- holder of the national title in the 13 and under category. (See prior posting.) YNet News reports that the court suggested the parties reach an agreement or have the matter arbitrated by the Israel Sports Association. The court said that its interim order would be null and void if the Israel Fencing Association either arranges for Freilich to participate in matches only after the conclusion of the Sabbath, or alternatively awards him technical wins for matches on the Sabbath that he misses. [Thanks to Joel Katz of Religion and State in Israel for the lead.]