The Shalva Band, accompanied by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, performed a unique virtual ‘duet’ of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ with notable musicians from the United Arab Emirates, sending a powerful message of unity, peace, and cooperation in a way only music can.

The clip was produced in honor of Shalva’s 31st anniversary celebration aptly themed ‘Building Bridges to the Future”. The popular 1960’s hit was chosen to be the anthem for this budding partnership for its uplifting message and the combination of Hebrew, Arabic and English, The Israeli and Emirati musicians performed the song in its original English with verses sung in Hebrew by the Shalva Band and in Arabic by Emirati singer, Tareq Al Menhali.

The guest speaker at the celebratory dinner was H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, one of the key architects of the Abraham Accords, which has 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.”

Source: The Shalva Band on Facebook