SAN DIEGO (Press Release) –The San Diego Israeli and Jewish community rejoices today over the release today of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit (pronouncer Gee-laad Sha-leet), who has been held in captivity for over five years. Hamas, the terrorist group that now governs Gaza, violated all civilized standards by abducting him from Israeli territory near Gaza and holding him incommunicado.
Hamas would not even allow the International Red Cross to see Gilad and evaluate his health.
Because of Israel commitment to human life and to protect its citizens and the soldiers in its army where every citizen is obligated to serve, Israel has made a painful agreement to release a thousand Palestinian prisoners convicted of crimes in exchange for Gilad’s freedom.
Gilad has been in the hearts and minds of every Israeli and of millions of people of all faiths and backgrounds around the world. Only 19 years old when he was captured, Gilad became a symbol of youth cut off from life by terrorists.
Israel supporters still continue to pray for positive news about six other Israeli soldiers still listed as missing inaction–Zecharya Baumel, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Ron Arad, Guy Hever, and Majdy Halabi.
StandWithUs, San Diego’s local chapter of the global Israel education organization, is planning a massive “Welcome Home Gilad Shalit” rally this Sunday, October 23
from 4 – 6 p.m. Further details will be provided
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Preceding provided by StandWithUS