‘Free Gilad Shalit’ – it’s something we’ve been saying for five years.
Now we can finally say something very similar, yet wonderfully different: ‘Gilad Shalit is free.’
What a price had to be paid. Sending lots of love to the soon-to-be reunited Shalit family and to all who support and love them.
Update: Here is video of Gilad arriving at Tel Nof IAF base, and another of Gilad and his family boarding the helicopter that flew them home.
Second update: I’m pausing to remember the two soldiers killed when Gilad was kidnapped: Lt. Hanan Barak, of Arad and Staff-Sgt. Pavel Slutzker, of Dimona.
How wonderful to forget the price to pay for a moment and just wallow the glory of his freedom.
I’m so happy, Chas. For him, for his family, and even for you – that you were able to see this day and have the unparalleled pleasure of writing these simple words
This is a very happy and historic Day
Amen
I love the photo of his father kissing him with Netanyahu looking on. Never thought we would see this day.
How do you feel Chas as you were so involved in the campaign and you know the family? I think everyone feels quite emotional today about the lengths Israel will go to bring a soldier home but it must be more personal for you
I feel emotional like everyone else, a mixture of joy at Gilad’s freedom and revulsion at the thought of so many terrorists walking free. I supported the deal – but with a heavy heart considering the price.
Certainly having met several members of the family and key campaigners, and having stayed in-touch with some and been involved, there is an added intensity to the feelings.
So much good came from the campaign beyond Gilad’s own plight, particularly in terms of educating the general public about the realities of the Middle East. Real-life, human stories have always been a powerful way of winning hearts and minds, and always will be.
That said, I understand and empathise with some of the reservations about/criticisms of the campaign, for sure. However, the more general, less-focused sense of negativity we had to face was a drag. I’ve been told so many times ‘Gilad is dead, stop wasting your time’, or ‘Hamas will never release him’, or ‘Israel will never do a deal’, or ‘He’ll come back, but in a body bag’.
I’m not about to say that today’s result vindicates my more positive approach. Because even if Gilad had never come home, I would have remained a positive person. That’s how I am – and genuine positivity does not equate with a denial of harsh realities.
Very tired now as I’ve not been able to sleep these past few nights. Sending lots of love to the Shalits. So glad he’s home. Well done to everyone who helped in any way. B”H.
Thanks for such an interesting response. You are so articulate and express yourself so well. You have done so much in educating people. Am so thrilled for the Shallit family. I hope you sleep well tonight – you truly deserve a good night
Thank you, Gail.
I’m sure I’ll sleep well. Indeed, I reckon I might just nod off any minuten,.xmdd9fc9fjnmg;on-3mn-gm4.54pbt53o,t=re, rl, [p,fl
It is really irritating to me to see people who demonized the Israeli government and by doing so gave a political victory to Hamas, act like they did this wonderful great thing.
“in terms of educating the general public ”
If that helps you to sleep, fine. The public routinely ignores rocket attacks, bombings of school buses and cafes, shootings, and stabbings. Perhaps if you wanted to educate the general public, there are more ways to do it than advocating giving in to Hamas’ terrorist demands.
Just because Gilad is thankfully free, it does not mean the approach of the movement to free him acted appropriately or responsibly. Far from it.
Stan
‘It is really irritating to me to see people who demonized the Israeli government…’
I’ve never demonized the Israeli government.
‘Perhaps if you wanted to educate the general public, there are more ways to do it than advocating giving in to Hamas’ terrorist demands.’
You also advocated the swap deal. In any case, the issue of a swap was never central to my campaigning.
And I agree with you, there are other ways to educate the general public. This was one of the ways I have done it. If you have chosen other ways that’s great. Good luck with your efforts.
Let’s avoid abuse and aggression in this discussion.
Sometimes when people see the rainbow they need to cover it with the dark cloud.
I really wanted to ignore this comment but quite frankly I felt it was really offensive to all those who campaigned for his release. Chas is perfectly capabable of explaining himself and certainly does not need me to leap in but I think you have totally missed the point. Gilad is now free and campaigning for his release became a focal point for many people to debate and discuss ALL the issues. One of my daughters is currently serving and I can tell you that she and all her unit support this exchange. They HAVE to know that sacrifices will be made for their dedication and commitment. Even if you disagree, and all understand that the price was so high, we should be all be so relieved that Gilad is safe and at home. And we must all praise the dedication of those that campaigned for his release, rather than insinuating they acted in an inappropriate manner.
Today is a truely Blessed & wonderful day – I am so proud of Israel & The Jewish People !
It’s been a bittersweet day. It’s so wonderful that Gilad is free once more, how young and fragile he looks. And you too have done much to bring his plight to attention.
I’ve updated my ‘Free Gilad’ campaign ribbon
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6257309939_9a4c1f4d97_m.jpg
1>1000
Chas, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUVE DONE FOR THE CAUSE.
May Hashem grant us the ultimate redemption immediately – so that the “what if’s” of releasing savage murderers are frozen in time as sentiments alone!
May the blessing of Gilad’s release bring only joy and peace for him and his family and for all of Klal Yisrael …. immediately and without delay!
From today’s daily Psalms:
לִי גִלְעָד – Gilad is mine
Hear hear. Am Yisrael chai!
Thank you Chaz for your positive attitude and for all your activity also
Thanks, YB
A nice video from Israeli TV, summing-up yesterday’s events
Here is an excellent article on the subject by Danny Finkelstein
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/joy-no-another-chapter-in-israels-book-of-sorrows/story-e6frg6ux-1226171119583
Should be required reading for anyone who is undecided on the issue of Israel and the Palestinian Arabs.