ISRAEL: 1,000 days of captivity for Shalit
Hundreds of people came to Jerusalem on Saturday evening to mark the 1,000th day since Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped. In recent weeks, his family had joined the protest tent already manned for months by volunteers and sat up the block from the residence of the prime minister, a constant reminder to Ehud Olmert of his unfinished business as he finishes his term.
Olmert's final push to secure a deal with Hamas for Shalit's freedom in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners fell through, amid a bitter public debate in Israel over the price of such an exchange. As mediators and negotiators shuttled back and forth between Cairo, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in an attempt to reach agreement in the last few days of the incumbent government, time -- often a liquid concept in the region -- was pressing.
The new government around the corner will be less accommodating, warned those supporting an exchange.
Noam Shalit, Gilad's father, left the protest tent Saturday night without a deal and without his son, but with the support of many Israelis who turned out to see him off to the family's home in Mitzpe Hila. "We will keep going until you come home," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has been granted an extension of two weeks for the formation of his new government, thereby extending the window of opportunity for reaching a deal that will bring home Shalit.
"You have two more weeks to act," Noam addressed Olmert, "with determination and creativity and to employ everything at Israel's disposal to save Gilad before it is too late."
Lines between public and private are blurred in the awareness campaign for a soldier's release in a country where service is mandatory for most.
Shalit is a household name. Millions know his family by name. They recognize his face, his voice and even his handwriting (right).
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The same day in Tel Aviv, Yaron appeared surprised -- and appreciative -- that someone would recognize the name on the back of his T-shirt: Hanan Barak, an officer killed with another soldier in the attack during which Shalit was abducted.
The black T-shirt commemorating a trek down the Golan Heights in memory of his army friend is a simple tribute and it's by coincidence that Yaron wore it to the beach on the widely marked "anniversary."
He remembers all the time. Still, he shivered briefly. "One thousand days," he said behind his shades.
-- Batsheva Sobelman in Jerusalem
Photos: Israelis at the protest tent, the note covered wall asking, "Where are you?" Credit: Gabby Sobelman.
"Help," a new campaign launched by an advertising company, forms the Hebrew word for "help" in Shalit's handwriting, complete with a downloadable "Shalit" font created from his letter.
Bottom: Yaron remembers his friend this day and others. Credit: Batsheva Sobelman.
It is wrong to say "kidnapped" , he is a combatant not a civilian. The proper term would be "captured". And let's thank God that he is treated well according to the messages and video tapes he sent.
Same cannot be said about Palestinians "civilians" who have been and still being "kidnapped" by Israeli forces. They face torture and horrible conditions in Israeli jails. Israel keeps on kidnapping and putting Palestinians politicians such as lawmakers, and civilians such as College professors in prisons unlawfully. Not to mention Women and Children.
Posted by: AN | October 09, 2009 at 11:32 AM
To add a salt to a injury, all the humanitarian supplies and rebuilding fund for occupied territories have to go through Israel banking and transportation systems, kind of like waging a war with its associated crimes once in while on Palestinians, and making profits on the side and plus get free fresh armaments from US to be ready for another killing, cash and lives literally!
Posted by: Javad | March 25, 2009 at 03:02 PM
You forgotten to mention that the Palestinian prisoners Hamas demanded are all women and children.And that's an international crime.Israel has no right to arrest a child for throwing a rock.
Posted by: irk | March 23, 2009 at 07:11 PM
after the idf bragged about killing pregnant woman and discussed the difficulties in shooting children from long distances......haaretz............we americans dont care too much about hammas capturing one of these animals.........why not write an article about tristan the peace worker who bthe israeli soldiers shot a few days ago whos only crime was being an american christian on israeli holy land........screw israel and their holy war
Posted by: mike | March 21, 2009 at 10:50 PM