Support Gilad Shalit

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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.