Last Friday, the AMIT Modiin Yeshiva High School robotics team made a bold and heartfelt decision: despite being ranked 15th out of 600 teams worldwide, they withdrew from the international robotics finals in Houston out of respect for the sanctity of the Sabbath.
As thousands of spectators looked on, organizers read aloud the team’s message: “We are a group of observant Jewish students, and we keep the Sabbath. This is a core value for us.”
Honoring Shabbat Above All
The team, known as Team 5990 – Traigon, followed in the footsteps of fellow Israeli students from Lapid Modiin Yeshiva, who had made a similar choice earlier that week.
Though stepping down at the peak of their achievement, the students displayed pride in their values. They left a special sign at their booth with a QR code linking to a website explaining the meaning of Shabbat. They also extended their best wishes to the remaining teams in the competition.
Watch the powerful moment Team 5990’s withdrawal is announced to the crowd:
The Statement that Echoed Through the Arena
“This is the second time we’ve made it to the finals—only to walk away at the very top,” the team said in a statement.
“We’re doing so with our heads held high, proud to honor our commitment to Shabbat.”
“They Built a Startup—and Walked Away at Its Peak”
School principal Rabbi Lior Chikotai praised the team: “They built a mini high-tech startup inside our yeshiva—and at the height of success, chose to step back because of Shabbat. It’s a deeply moving act by students who truly understand life’s priorities.”
