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.

Please take this opportunity to visit our website and write your words of welcome to Gilad.  All messages will be delivered to Gilad and his family.

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.

Help us welcome Gilad home.  All messages will be delivered to Gilad and his family.

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.

Campaign for Gilad Shalit

There are things you can do:

Take A Moment for Gilad Shalit | Learn More

Take Action

• Don’t let Gilad Be Forgotten
• Plan a rally for your local community or campus
• Download and distribute a petition in your community or school (Click to open as a PDF)
• Pass a resolution in your organization, community or school on the abducted soldiers
• Wear a Gilad Shalit Dog Tag

Write

• Write to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
• Write to the Knesset and P.M. Netanyahu
• Write to President Obama and to your Representatives
• Materials

Remember

• Learn about Israel’s abducted and missing soldiers
• Listen to songs written about the soldiers
• Remember the soldiers on Chanukah
• Join the Tu B’shvat Campaign for Gilad

–NEW IDEA!– Plan a Bar or Bat Mitzvah using the theme of working to bring back Israel’s abducted soldiers.
Your bar or bat mitzvah marks your acceptance of responsibility as a Jewish adult. What better way to underscore the significance of this special day than by using it to advocate for the release of fellow Jews, captured by terrorists while fighting to keep Israel safe? Here are some party ideas.
* Use AZM Dog Tags at events or parties to help get the word out.
* Print out and hang Posters that broadcast the message:
“Bring Gilad Home Now!”

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:

If you are in Jerusalem

There are a few prominent places in Jerusalem where you can identify yourself, including the Solidarity Tent in front of the Prime Minister residence or the Rose Garden in front of the Knesset. You can also say a prayer for Gilad at the Western Wall.

The Solidarity Tent in front of the Prime Minister’s residence: Centrally located just a few minutes walk from the hotels on King George Street, the tent was erected over two years ago and hosts volunteers. After a cross-country March, members of Gilad’s family arrived at the tent and sit there daily with the hopes of putting pressure on the government to arrange for Gilad’s immediate release. When visiting the tent, you will be able to sign the support book, speak with family and volunteers, and obtain a yellow solidarity ribbon you can wear publicly to show your support. In addition, every Friday night, on the eve of Shabbat, a Kabbalat Shabbat service takes place at the site of the tent. There is always an empty chair there for Gilad.

The Rose Garden in front of the Knesset: Near the Israel, Museum, and right in front of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) where the statue of the Menorah stands, signs that convey solidarity with Gilad are hanging. While visiting, you can hang your own personal, family, or communal sign, or a yellow balloon. Yellow is the informal color identified with Gilad’s struggle.

The Old City and the Western Wall Plaza: Many visitors to Jerusalem will explore the Old City and stop to pray at the Western Wall. If you stop at the wall, you may add an additional prayer and/or put a note in the wall on behalf of Gilad.

If you are Outside of Jerusalem

If your plans include a trip to Northern Israel, you can visit Mitzpe Hilla, the village where Gilad was born and raise. You can help to support Gilad’s family by staying in one of their guest houses available for rent.

Gilad was abducted from an army facility near Kerem Shalom, not far from the city of Sderot, a western Negev city in the Southern District of Israel. Sderot is an area hit repeatedly by rockets launched from the Gaza Strip. A visit to this town will serve to help bolster the moral of a people living in constant fear of attacks.

In addition to the above options, throughout the country, in almost every major common area, solidarity booths have been erected (predominantly on Friday mornings). You can stop by these booths to obtain more information about the effort to secure Gilad’s release.

We might suggest you work with your community or congregation to prepare a sign to display, or a letter of support to provide to the family. During your visit, you can obtain various items such as shirts, pins or caps which display the symbol of struggle for Gilad’s release.

We recommend you visit the main website that has the most up-to-date information about this effort.

http://www.habanim.org/en/index_en.html

We thank you for your dedication to this cause and hope for the immediate and unconditional release of Gilad Shalit.

Have a meaningful visit to Israel,

The American Zionist Movement

Estimates of around 10,000 marchers far surpassed the numbers expected to join the family, demonstrating the depth of connection that  the Israeli public feels for Shalit family and, of course, their son, who sits and waits.

Outside of Israel the American Zionist Movement pledges to keep the issue of Gilad Shalit on the “front burner,” so that he will not be forgotten.  Visit this page for program ideas

To see a news report on the march please click the screen image below:

Gilad Shalit's Family Embark on March

We wait and wonder. We send postcards, sign petitions, march in the streets — in front of the United Nations and in public squares across America.

When will Gilad Shalit be brought home to his family and his nation?

News reports say a resolution is near.  We pray for his return.

See the videotaped message from Gilad Shalit

There are things you can do:

Take A Moment for Gilad Shalit | Learn More

Take Action

• Don’t let Gilad Be Forgotten
• Plan a rally for your local community or campus
• Download and distribute a petition in your community or school (Click to open as a PDF)
• Pass a resolution in your organization, community or school on the abducted soldiers
• Wear a Gilad Shalit Dog Tag

Write

• Write to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
• Write to the Knesset and P.M. Netanyahu
• Write to President Obama and to your Representatives
• Materials

Remember

• Learn about Israel’s abducted and missing soldiers
• Listen to songs written about the soldiers
• Remember the soldiers on Chanukah

–NEW IDEA!– Plan a Bar or Bat Mitzvah using the theme of working to bring back Israel’s abducted soldiers.
Your bar or bat mitzvah marks your acceptance of responsibility as a Jewish adult. What better way to underscore the significance of this special day than by using it to advocate for the release of fellow Jews, captured by terrorists while fighting to keep Israel safe? Here are some party ideas.
* Use AZM Dog Tags at events or parties to help get the word out.
* Hand out Postcards which your guests can fill out and send to UN, Red Cross and US Department of State officials, demanding that they take action.
* Print out and hang Posters that broadcast the message:
“Bring Gilad Home Now!”