Gilad Shalit’s brother Yoel, along with his girlfriend and other Shalit campaign activists, disrupted Monday night’s Independence Day ceremony on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl, to protest about Gilad’s plight. Previously, Gilad’s father Noam explained that the family would not be celebrating Independence Day until Gilad is released.
When I met Noam and other members of the campaign last summer, their hurt and frustration was hauntingly palpable. It was also clear that they are not people naturally inclined to extreme acts of protest, but have been driven to it. I actually share their suspicion that the Israeli government’s fine words about Gilad are not being matched with genuine action. Indeed, there is evidence of successive Israeli administrations giving Shalit’s case a radically lower priority than their public statements suggested.
Given this, and given that I support a deal being struck for Gilad’s freedom for the reasons I outlined here, I support Yoel Shalit’s protest last night and the plans of the family to step-up the campaign.
What do you think?
In favor of Shalit’s actions and also disapprove that the protest wasn’t broadcast live in real-time on any of Israel’s three networks. China style, Israel is afraid of “losing face” during an official ceremony showcasing the so-called unity and national consensus in the country.
Can’t make up my mind what I think. I don’t really approve, but would I do the same in their shoes? Probably
I don’t think any of us really know how it feels to have a loved one captured and therefore it is impossible to judge whether it is or is not appropriate to protest. But it is clear that the Israeli government have (according to the news) not worked hard enough to keep relations active in the effort to get Gilad Shalit home and therefore a protest by the Shalit family is justifiable.
Although I hear and know of Gilad’s plight it is only from the perspective of an onlooker here in the UK – not as a member of the government or family (obviously!). Thus, what I know is little and uneducated.
If there is good reason to believe the Israeli government isn’t doing enough then I can perfectly understand the family’s protest and support it.
I do, however, think they could consider widenening their scope and organising a rally calling on international institutions to get involved. Lord knows these institutions are only too quick to stick their oar into Israel’s affairs when they have a chance. They can condemn, call for inquiries, expel diplomats over passport issues and heaven knows what else, so they’ve got a voice when they want.
As all Israelis, I sympathise immensely with the suffering of the Shalit family. What they suffer, I can’t even begin to imagine.
But I do not sympathise with their insistence on politicizing their campaign for his release by blaming their son’s plight solely on the Israeli government and PM Netanyahu, instead of on the wickedness of the Hamas. In turning their fight for his release into a protest against our elected government, as if it is the Israeli government who is holding Gilad captive for an unpayable ransom, and not the Hamas thugs, they have sadly lost my support, and I believe the support of a sizeable percentage of Israelis.
Like almost everyone I know, I can’t even begin to imagine what the Shalit family are going through, but, like Geraldine above, I believe that in their grief and drive to get their son released they have lost sight of what is really going on.
The real villains in the piece here are Hamas, not the Israeli government which, from past experience of trying to deal with these animals, knows full well that even if it releases the Hamas thugs and murderers this will not guarantee the return of Shalit alive.
The Shalit family should be told, politely and as sensitively as possible, to desist from their public opposition to the Israeli government’s approach. All that does is increase the mad sense of pleasure about the family’s suffering that is experienced by the lunatics who are holding their son. After all, what sort of thugs put on a playlet making fun of Gilad Shalit’s suffering and that of his family, in front of a roaring crowd of thousands? Can such people, who get such evident pleasure from others’ suffering, be trust to keep their word, however many terrorists Israel may release?
Instead, were I they, I would be putting pressure on world governments to put pressure on Hamas in turn, and if they have to put pressure on the Israeli government about anything, let it be for them to refuse visiting rights by the Red Cross and other aid agencies for terrorists held in Israeli prisons until the Red Cross is allowed free and regular access to Gilad himself.
I agree with what Geraldine wrote but would like to add that sadly many have not learned from previous experience where the Arabs are playing the Israeli govt., like a fish.
What the Shalit family should be doing is targeting the International community in the likes of Blair, Sarkozy, Merkel et al along with the “Red Cross” on the human rights that seem to be denied Israelis.
They should be approaching the American Congress on this neglect to get more action instead of attacking Netanyahu who basically has his hands tied without Western support.
When the two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped in 2006 it was the wife of Goldwasser who made the effort to get the American Congress on board and delivered addresses across the States to get her husband’s body back.
Funnily enough Warren Buffet who bought the company Noam Shalit worked for, met Shalit at the time and commiserated with him but it seems that nothing was ever done to get his influence with the Obama Administration to help in forcing an end to this human rights violation.
Exactly. If the US/EU turn off the taps to Gaza/PA, Shalit would be released immediately. Could the Israeli govt do more to pressure the US/EU to pressure Hamas?
I saw it and was surprised that he thought that he should do such a thing. I don’t know what I would do in his/the family’s shoes. However, there were three other soldies who were killed the day that Gilad was kidnapped. We don’t hear about them. This was a ceremony for other families. It was a great disservice to them. Why should they have had their day spoiled by this? I’m sure that the government has tried everything to try and get Gilad released. However there are too many conditions. Why should thousands of terrorists be released to kidnap, maim and murder again? Is one soldier worth this? Can you even believe that Hamas would ever release him in any event? Can anyone trust their word? I hate to think what he is going through and I hate to think what his parents are experiencing but he is not the only soldier who has been taken like this. So I have to think that he was wrong.
I appreciate we see this differently, but wanted to respond on a few factual points.
I’m sure that the government has tried everything to try and get Gilad released.
They haven’t, as plentiful evidence (including that linked to in my article) shows. On what basis are you sure they have tried everything?
Why should thousands of terrorists be released to kidnap, maim and murder again?
It is not thousands, it is 1,000 prisoners, not all of whom are terrorists. We do not know that any of them will successfully offend again if they are released. Do you know of any instances from past deals where this has happened?
None of us know for sure what bad things might or might not happen if Israel releases terrorists in return for Gilad. But we do know what will happen if Israel does not – Gilad will die in a Hamas dungeon. Therefore, I believe Israel should act on the known threat to Jewish life, not the speculative one.
Is one soldier worth this?
That’s a matter of opinion. In every poll I’ve ever read, the majority of Israelis have said that they agree with a swap. I too, with a heavy heart, agree.
I appreciate everything that you do, Chas. I think that you are a great spokesman for Israel. In this instance we have to agree to disagree. I’m in Israel now and the people with whom I spoke today (at the BBQ naturally!), the consensus was that everyone feels desperate for the Shalit family but that they understand the predicament that the government finds itself in. I think that it’s different living here than viewing events from the UK even if you have met with the Shalits. This is a country where everyone knows someone who has been bereaved. I believe that many people find the Shalits’ modus operandi too vocal and too vocal against the Government. The louder they shout, the more entrenched are Hamas and the more they demand from Israel. We can quibble over numbers – whether they are in their hundreds or their thousands. In any event Hamas want released numerous evil people. Would you really, really, really want this if you were living here? It’s all very well to ‘speculate’ that those released may not continue with their murderous ways from the comfort of the UK.
I think that it’s different living here than viewing events from the UK even if you have met with the Shalits.
It’s all very well to ‘speculate’ that those released may not continue with their murderous ways from the comfort of the UK.
As I wrote, in every poll I have read (and this is backed-up by my experience of discussing this issue with scores of Israelis) the majority of Israelis support a deal.
Have a lovely time there, anyway!
I’m having a lovely time, thank you. Perfect weather!
By the way, the IDF have stated that, since their release from Israeli jails, PA terrorists have killed 150 Jews. [INA News today.]
Some of the many known cases of released terrorists re-offending – and the scores of Israelis who died as a result – are mentioned here:
http://www.jcpa.org/JCPA/Templates/ShowPage.asp?DBID=1&TMID=111&LNGID=1&FID=283&PID=0&IID=2498
From the point of view of the families of terror victims who, surely, also deserve to see justice done in that their children’s murderers should not be set free:
http://thisongoingwar.blogspot.com/2011/05/9-may-11-remembrance-day-reminder-of.html
And then there are the families of soldiers who risked their lives, were injured or even fell in the course of capturing those terrorists. Are we to tell them that the sacrifice they made was pointless?
Not to mention the family – as yet unknown – of the next soldier who will be kidnapped if abduction of soldiers is seen as an easy way to get hundreds of prisoners released. What will we say to them?
We must also take into account that under the new Hamas/PA reconciliation it is very possible that Hamas prisoners in PA jails will be released soon and that co-operation between Israel and the PA on security issues is likely to be severely damaged by the new merger, putting Israelis further at risk.
We all – without exception – want to see Gilad home as soon as possible, but as others have said above, the campaign should not be against the Israeli government which – although undoubtedly an easy target – is not the body holding him prisoner.
Personally, I don’t want to judge either the Shalit family or the Prime Minister because thankfully I am not in their shoes, but I don’t think Yoel did the campaign any favours last night.
Regarding the families of terror victims, ‘who surely, also deserve to see justice done in that their children’s murderers should not be set free’. Naturally, this is a very strong argument. When I met Noam Shalit at the Shalit protest tent in Jerusalem, there was a small counter-vigil by bereaved families just down the road. I spoke with them, too, and of course I appreciate their feelings. The counter-argument would be that leaving Gilad in custody will sadly not bring their relatives back.
‘Not to mention the family – as yet unknown – of the next soldier who will be kidnapped if abduction of soldiers is seen as an easy way to get hundreds of prisoners released. What will we say to them?’
But we know that Hamas is already planning further kidnaps. They will do so with or without a deal for Gilad.
‘The campaign should not be against the Israeli government which – although undoubtedly an easy target – is not the body holding him prisoner.’
But it is a body that has pretended to have done more than it actually has to help Gilad. And if the Israeli government should not be among those targeted by the Shalit campaign, who should be targeted? Hamas is not going to let him go free with no price, however many petitions or vigils are held. So-called international humanitarian organisations are not going to bother helping Gilad either, because they are too dominated by Israel-haters.
No, the only body involved which has any prospect of responding to pressure is the Israeli government. The only way to get him free is via a deal. Given how much this specific case means to me, I cannot sit on the fence. With a heavy heart, with all the issues taken into account, I favour a deal.
And I favour pressure on the Israeli government to stop the fine yet misleading words, and sincerely seek one.
I agree with Israelinurse 100 percent. Chas, your arguments lack bite. It is common sense to assume that if Israel releases Hamas terrorists, it will be a great victory for Hamas. It is also common sense that the release of murderers would put many people’s lives at risk.
If you were to argue the point that Israel is not doing all it can by stating that they are not going after the Hamas leadership with targeted assassinations to gain Shalit’s release, then I would be in your camp. But, arguing that Israel should give in to terrorists and reward the perpetrators is not a view I can support. The Shalits would be far more effective if they aimed their anger at Hamas, and took their case strongly to the world, as was suggested by previous posters.
Stan
Israelinurse, you wrote exactly what I was planning to write (but much better than I would have done). You make all the points that I wanted to make.
As I said, I don’t consider myself well-informed on this issue so I’ve got a couple of questions to ask of those who are.
Have the Israeli intelligence services really no idea whatsoever where Gilad may be being held?
Would it be absolutely impossible to get him out in some kind of under-cover operation?
Have the Israeli intelligence services really no idea whatsoever where Gilad may be being held?
I believe they have a fairly good idea of this.
Would it be absolutely impossible to get him out in some kind of under-cover operation?
Yes, I believe it is impossible for a number of reasons, including that the area is surrounded by explosives and manned by people willing to not only kill, but kill themselves.
between getting ready to go out to all the fireworks, foam and plastic hammers to “Torchwood” on the sci-fi channel and the ceremony on Mount Herzl I didn’t catch Yoel’s protest yesterday but Shalit family has every right to demonstrate during a ceremony which is paid for from public finance and is dedicated to the soldiers who enable the county’s existence – especially since Yom HaAtzmaut is celebrated right after the national memorial day.
“The louder they shout, the more entrenched are Hamas and the more they demand from Israel”
I think this is an interesting point.
I am undecided with regard to the exchange but I do think tackling the international community is worth a go. I hear what you say, Chas, about some organisations being dominated by Israel haters but I don’t know that they can argue against Gilad having visits from the Red Cross. Isn’t their role part of international humanitarian law?
It may seem a small thing but because both Fatah and Hamas seem to operate using a combination of terrorism/propaganda/psychology, such a visit might make a dent in their strategy here.
“The counter-argument would be that leaving Gilad in custody will sadly not bring their relatives back.”
I don’t think it’s about undoing what cannot be undone, Chas. But surely *justice* has a value and must also contribute to the healing process of families who have lost loved ones?
Very true, yes.
I don’t ask or expect everyone to agree with me. I do hope that people understand I came to my position having deeply considered and understood all the complexities, issues, angles and emotions. And I came to my position with a heavy heart.
Yoel Shalit is a complete ass. Monday eve is the day his fight for Gilad lost its legitimacy due to pure stupidity and inconsideration. I understand the need to give and do everything to get more awareness and pressure the government, the Hamas, US & EU. I can relate, sympathize and do all I can to promote this campaign because as a part of the nation – I want Gilad home, too.
BUT-
Yoel Shalit came up in a national ceremony wrecking havoc (or at least trying to) AFTER his brother’s name was mentioned several times in the ceremony (by individuals), with a banner saying: I DON’T WANT TO BE A BEREAVED BROTHER. There were REAL bereaved families in the crowd and he shamelessly used THEIR pain and sorrow to his propaganda.
I despise his act. The minute it happened I decided to stop my support in the Shalit Family campaign and will not go to anything organized by them. Gilad was in my brigade and my commander’s cousin, but Yoel crossed a red line to my opinion and I now feel LESS supportive in the family’s “stepped up” campaign.
U’r an S
I despise his act. The minute it happened I decided to stop my support in the Shalit Family campaign and will not go to anything organized by them.
So you’ll withdraw your support from Gilad because of an action he had no knowledge of or involvement in?
And what *do* you think they should do? Their tactics thus far haven’t brought them the result they want, so of course they are going to try new things. Sometimes we might not approve of every action, but at the end of the day it is not about us. It is about Gilad and his family. I empathise with their desperation.
I realize the need to do everything, they can do whatever they want as long as it doesn’t hurt others. In this case – they have.
I don’t withdraw my support of Gilad – I do from his family’s actions. Won’t go to anything they organize, but will express support in Gilad where I can and allowed to.
I can understand their protest. When you lose a loved one you go through the grieving process and, as time goes by, you do adjust and peaceful, accepting moments increase. However, in the case of the Shalits they have no resolution and must be getting more desperate. Sometimes that desperation shows in actions.
I notice that the McCann family, whose little daughter, Madaleine, was abducted four years ago have written a book to raise more money in order to continue their search for her. No matter what the chances, I can completely understand their grief, desperation and continued action because, like the Shalit’s, they have no answers – fewer, really.
Thanks for all the comments.
The most recent prisoner-swap came in 2008, when Samir Kuntar and four other terrorists were released by Israel.
Does anyone know if any of that five have successfully committed any terror acts since their release?
“oh theses terrorists who have been released have not re offended”that does sound a bit liberal wishy-washy. Do you think kuntar is sitting around all day drinking sweet tea??????
I pray every day for Gilad to be returned,but we should be blaming Hamas not the government for this situation.The world would be going ape if the roles were reveresed .
I don’t know who you are (mis)quoting there, Stuart?
Are you referring to my question about Samir Kuntar and the others? If so, do you know the answer?
With respect chas,neither do you.i doubt if he has been reabilitated and sits around thinking of ways to make peace with israel……and as you well know,the most evil dont always commit the attack.
But back to Gilad ,in all honesty,i dont have an answer.As a parent i say give them whatever they want so i can have my child back,but is that the right answer???????
Whatever decisions are made,lets pray he is returned to his family(alive) very soon
Just as the Schalits understandably want their son back, regardless of the price, the parents of suicide bomb victims also want terror masterminds to stay in prison so that a) they cannot procure or carry out more murderous attacks and b) The justice system works, and is seen to work c) Hamas, and its Iranian sponsors, are not given a massive shot in the arm which would be the inevitable consequence of Israel acceding to their demands. Reputable studies show that released terrorists go on to commit many more murderous attacks, in itself, a sufficient basis for Israel not negotiating on Hamas’ terms.
What would you say to the proposition that if Netanyahu’s government is not going to agree to any deal that results in terrorists being released, that it should make that official?
At the moment, the government’s stated policy is to see a negotiated deal for Gilad’s freedom (in line with the wishes of the majority of Israeli people, according to every poll I have read).
If, as some suspect, the current administration has no intention of genuinely making such a deal, would it be better for it to come out and say so?
Yes, I think Israel should adopt the position that it used to have – namely that it will not negotiate with any active terrorist group, especially one that is committed to its outright obliteration and which incites virulent anti semitism as a matter of policy. In other words, there will be no rewards, ransoms or terrorists offered in exchange for soldiers, citizens or dead bodies. (Yes, that includes the heinous Samir Kuntar who should not have been released in 2008). Netanyahu should also make it absolutely clear that the state will make any group pay the highest possible price for seizing its citizens.
Good blog by the way.
It is a truly terrible and tragic dilemma for all concerned but I think there are very sound reasons for Netanyahu to adopt his current position.
From a purely tactical point of view I think that the Shalit family and many well-meaning Israelis are causing Gilad harm by raising the price.
Imagine trying to negotiate the purchase of a house with your whole family standing behind you with banners, “Pay his Price!”.
A few months ago I heard on the news that the families of the Hamas and Fatah terrorists in our prisons were demonstrating in Gaza, “Thank G-d” I thought, “At last some counter pressure.”
They held banners demanding not to exchange Gilad until all demands were met, even if their sons and husbands had to stay in jail. Now that’s how you negotiate.
Israel should offer one Arab for one Jew. They can have whoever they want, but they only get one. We should argue that any claim that a Jewish life is worth more than an Arab one is racism. Let them explain why it isn’t.
I have no idea what I’d be saying if it were my son, but I pray nobody would be asking me.