An Israeli broadcaster recently made a darkly comic observation: if an alien arrived in Israel from Mars it would think that Gilad Shalit was being held hostage not by Hamas, but by the Israeli government. Such is the level of public pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to secure the release of Gilad, that there is indeed a danger that we lose sight of the fact that Hamas is actually responsible for his incarceration.
Visibility of Gilad’s plight is naturally very high in Israel. In such a loving and humane country, and one in which there is military conscription, there is never any question of people forgetting about him. In July over 20,000 people joined a 12-day, 120-mile protest march calling for Gilad’s release. Everywhere you look there are posters and t-shirts highlighting his case.
The most poignant initiative for Gilad in Israel is the protest tent his parents have established outside the Prime Minister’s home. I visited the tent earlier this month, and spoke with Gilad’s father Noam. The atmosphere in the tent has been compared to a shiva. But the atmosphere I found was not one of mourning. Although Noam is weary, he remains determined to keep working for his son’s release.
I introduced myself and told him about my experiences on the vigil outside Downing Street, which was organised by the Federation of Zionist Youth (FZY) to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Gilad’s abduction. Noam was impressed to hear that we gathered over 6,000 signatures and handed out thousands of leaflets.
When I told him that I had personally handed one of the leaflets to the Deputy Prime Minister he broke out in a smile. “Well that’s encouraging to hear,” he said. His smile grew bigger as he added: “But I don’t think we’re expecting big things from this Nick Clegg guy.” I told him I knew just what he meant. We shared some mineral water and grapes, and chatted more.
I wish I could have told him of more activities in Britain. So many of us do not match our feelings with actions. We simply do not do enough for Gilad. It is disgraceful that the FZY was the only British organisation to mark the fourth anniversary of his abduction, while others were too busy with cosier, self-congratulatory ventures. With friends like them, eh? Whether or not we agree that Israel should strike a deal with Hamas for Gilad’s freedom, we should still remember him.
Why are people so apathetic? Some have said that initiatives for Gilad will never change anything. When I hear that I remember two things. I remember the posh grandmother from Southampton who I spoke to as she walked past our vigil. She had never heard of Gilad, but as I told her about what happened to him tears ran down her face. During the five minutes we spoke she not only learned about Gilad, she also went through a palpable paradigm shift in her view of Israel. She took a handful of leaflets and marched off, vowing to post them through the doors of her neighbours in Southampton.
I also remember the expression of pleasant surprise on the face of Noam Shalit when he learned of the London vigil. One cannot imagine the mental torture he and his wife must go through on a daily basis, and in truth the news of the vigil probably only offered the tiniest crumb of comfort. But it was an honour to be able to show him that people not only cared, but were willing to give up a few hours of their time for a greater cause.
From a grandmother crying in London, to a father smiling in Jerusalem, these reactions alone show that of course worthwhile things come from our efforts on behalf of Gilad and Israel. We should make such efforts more often.
“It is disgraceful that the FZY was the only British organisation to mark the fourth anniversary of his abduction…”
Hear, hear.
Yes it’s too bad about Shilat but it’s even worse for the 10,000 Palestinians held in terrible conditions in Israeli gaols. In response to the capture of the Israeli soldier, Israel kidnapped over 40 democratically elected Hamas officals who have been incarcerated since 2007 without charge. And of course in December/January 2008/9 Israel launcahed a merciless, three week assault using weapons of mass destruction, including white phosphorous and flechette nail bombs against an impoverished,imprisoned and besieged civilian polulation that had no means to defend itself, no shelter from American supplied weaponary and no means of escape. Israel murders, maims and terrorises with impunity, but its latest act of terrorism – the murderous assualt on the Freedom Flotilla has awoken civil society which has become increasingly sickened by Israel’s terror tactics. Israel is the pariah of the modern age. Chas should have spent some time in the occupied West Bank or Gaza to see the real impact of the on-going ethnic cleansing that created the Zionist (not Jewish) pseudo-state.
Yes it’s too bad about Shilat but it’s even worse for the 10,000 Palestinians held in terrible conditions in Israeli gaols.
Can you quantify how things are worse for those in Israeli prisons (with all the rights they are permitted) than they are for Shalit (who is permitted no rights, not even a visit from the Red Cross)?
Israel murders, maims and terrorises with impunity…
What do you think of Hamas’s murders yesterday? Do you condemn them?
its latest act of terrorism – the murderous assualt on the Freedom Flotilla
Every *fact* about that incident shows how wrong your description is.
Israel is the pariah of the modern age.
I agree it largely is. And it’s obvious why so many people are so quick to condemn Israel while overlooking genuine atrocities and injustice going on elsewhere.
Chas should have spent some time in the occupied West Bank…
I have spent time in the West Bank. That you assume I haven’t shows how easy it is to make entirely false, baseless assumptions when they suit your agenda.
Chas, If I may chime in….
“the on-going ethnic cleansing that created the Zionist (not Jewish) pseudo-state.”
Before the State of Israel, there were almost one million Jews living in Arab countries, today there are less than 5,000.
Before the State of Israel, there were 850,000 Arabs living in British Mandatory Palestine, today there are about 5.5 million Arabs living in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
So, pray tell Sean, who are the ethnic cleansers…….?!?!?
You’re so right Ashley.unlike the Arabs who were forced to leave their homes because they declared a destruction war aginst Israel and after they refused to accept the UN proposal to divide the territory into two states,the Jews were expelled from Arab countries just because they were Jews and even though they were loyal citizens of their countries.
But always remember – for the Israel bashers there was only one Nakba.
Chas, I really admire your strength and patience to actually reply to these sort of morons!
The vigil was a great experience and I could hardly believe it each time people would stop and listen and sympathise.
I wish I could do more to help, but I just don’t know what… as you and Joel point out, it’s Hamas who are holding him. Creating awareness and petitions are important, but how far will it go to actually getting him released?
Presumably ‘Sean’ is not for real?
Chas. Israel is nothing like a pariah state. It is the Start Up Nation par excellence, with more venture capital start ups than all Europe put together, and certainly more than Britain, which is unfortunately sinking ever-deeper into industrial, economic and cultural decline.
Duvidl agrees with Noam Shalit that nothing is to be expected of Israel-basher Nick Clegg. But then who needs a Clegg for a friend when you have, for example, India (population 1.14bn), the world’s largest democracy, among your many major trading partners. Have a peek at this interview with Dan Senor, the co-author with Saul Singer of, “Start Up Nation. Israel’s Economic Miracle,” for an intriguing analysis of why Israel is so popular in world trade:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLyANGmLjQ
Good point Duvid.
It is easy to forget that, while the impotents of this world often hate Israel, in more accomplished circles the opposite is often the case.
“Impotents…” Ha ha ha.
of course he’s for real. He’s a typical Israel hating antisemite. Plenty more where he came from.
of course he’s for real. He’s a typical Israel hating antisemite.. Oh sorry, I’m just repeating what Jonathan S has said. But who can blame me? Anyone who gets about a bit in Britain has met countless people like him.
Chas I’d love to know more about your time in the west bank – was it dangerous at all?
Chas, whilst agreeing with you overall please remember that there are several other Jewish and pro-Israel groups in London such as the Zionist Federates itself which is based near me. I’m sure the youth group wasn’t the only one active on Gilad’s anniverary, that wouldn’t make sense. Keep up the good work!
Good point, Moira. Behind the scenes work may be more effective. But what is happening elsewhere? One example: Paris. Gilad Halpern reported on ynet that, on the fourth anniversary, 10,000 people rallied in Paris in solidarity with Gilad Shalit. Deputy Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced there that he has been declared by the City Council to be an honorary citizen of Paris. Her sweet, naive statement, that the Council’s declaration would bring results on the ground, is incongruent with my experience there. On a trip to Paris, it was good to see a large picture of Gilad Shalit outside the City Hall. After all, he grew up in France. On subsequent visits, I could only verify that his photo has been replaced by a small notice calling for the release of all those unjustly imprisoned (or words to that effect, the exact pious platitude escapes me). No mention of Mr Shalit, poor guy. His situation starkly illustrates the divisions that exist even among people of good will over what to do to oppose Hamas. Frustration at our powerlessness must not lead anyone to give up their efforts: someday, something may work. And thank you to Mr Weiner and Mr Newkey-Burden for pointing out that the real enemy here is Hamas
thanks for leading today’s debate, Chas. I appreciate hearing your response to antisemites, as I learn easily the details that I need when talking to friends about Israel. I believe that we can only influence our friends, and mine know that I do that effectively, so thanks again for providing truthful data. I overheard a radio show here in Canada where the host regularly speaks negatively, and am saddened that he gets away with it because so many others agree with his false views, that he spreads as truth. Thank you for being a positive beacon of hope, Chas. May God bless the work of people like you, who light a candle in the darkness…
If it means something to his parents, I’m glad I spent some time at the vigil.
Great. It meant the world to him. I am so glad you came along, Neil. Not least because it was good to meet you!