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

Noam Shalit still awaits the return of his beloved son, Gilad.  Held by Hamas for more than 1,400 days, Gilad awaits his rescue.  An ordinary teenager in June of 2006, Gilad found himself in extraordinary circumstances when he was abducted by the terrorist organization Hamas and taken from sovereign Israeli territory near Kerem Shalom to the Gaza Strip.    He has been held ever since; there have been occasional signals and messages showing the world that he is alive.  His father, a soft-spoken man, who with his wife has run a bed-and-breakfast in Israel’s north, has campaigned and pled for his son’s freedom.  Watch and listen to his message message made on the 62nd anniversary of Israel’s establishment.

See Gilad Shalit’s Video Message

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