Gilad Shalit has been home for a year, and we are thrilled that he had a safe return. Below, find out more about his story.

We join with Zionists around the world in welcoming Gilad home to Israel.

“And the children of Israel shall return to their borders.”

In our joy, we also embrace those whose pain has been increased by the price that has been paid for a soldier’s return.

Background

The polls in Israel show broad based support for the exchange deal. For the families of the victims and others concerned about future security implications it is very painful and problematic. All of these considerations were discussed and debated by the government, which approved the deal by a vote of 26-3.

As this issue will continue to be in the forefront of news in the coming days, including massive celebrations in Gaza and elsewhere, we are providing this memo providing information and talking points that may be helpful, along with an action recommendation, which we urge you to follow up.

History

Gilad Shalit was born in Naharia, Israel on August 28, 1986 to Noam and Aviva Shalit. He has an older brother and younger sister.  On June 25, 2006, during his service in the IDF, Gilad Shalit was abducted on the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing by Hamas militants, who infiltrated through an underground tunnel.  He has been held as a hostage at an undisclosed location in the Gaza Strip for more than five years, deprived of all International Red Cross medical care and visits, as required by international law.  Israeli forces entered Khan Yunis on June 28, 2006 to search for Shalit, but the recovery efforts were unsuccessful.  Some media reports suggested that Israel may have learned of Shalit’s whereabouts, but the location was booby trapped to prevent any rescue attempts.

The only proof of Shalit’s well-being until recently has been three letters, an audio tape, and a DVD received in exchange for the release by Israel of 20 convicted female Palestinian prisoners.  A recent video was provided at the insistence of the government of Israel showing Shalit as well and able to communicate.

He was the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants since Nachshon Wachsman in 1994.  Since his abduction, Shalit has been promoted from the rank of corporal to Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Major.

Shalit holds dual French and Israeli citizenship, a fact that prompted French and European Union involvement in the efforts on his behalf.

On October 11, 2011 a prisoner swap deal was announced to free Shalit in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners.

Send a Message of Welcome to Gilad Shalit

Gilad Shalit is expected to return to Israel any day now.

For more than five years we have rallied, we have sent postcards, written letters, appealed to heads of state.  We have not allowed Gilad to be forgotten.  When he returns home he will receive your messages of hope that were sent to him over the years.

Join us now in welcoming Gilad home.  Write your messages today.

Click the image below to visit the Tu B’shvat for Gilad campaign page!

Dear Friends,

With summer in full-swing, the time of family vacations is upon us – when we can be with our loved ones, and have the opportunity to recharge ourselves both physically and mentally.

This summer marks four years since Gilad Shalit was captured by Hamas. He is believed to be held in Gaza, away from his family. This issue crosses all political and religious boundaries, and touches the hearts of all. Whatever your opinion regarding the price Israel should or should not pay to secure Gilad’s release, there is no disputing that Gilad, as well as his family, are suffering greatly. We hope and pray for his safe return each day.

So, what can you do to help and to express your sympathy with Gilad and his loved ones? If your family vacation should take you to Israel over the summer, or for the upcoming holidays, AZM would like propose the following opportunities available to you to show your solidarity with the Shalit family: [Read more...]