Waiting for Gilad
Tuesday, 06 July 2010
It has now been four years since the abduction of Gilad Shalit. Finchley Reform Synagogue member, Hemda Garelick is Gilad's grandfather's cousin and writes here on the importance of action to liberate Gilad.A family in Israel is on the march. They have been waiting for their son for four long years. The time has come and we must all work for his return.
Gilad was abducted at the end of June 2006 two months before his 20th birthday. He has not been seen by anyone of credibility although Hamas insists that he is alive and the last letter from him was received through a short video last September.
Gilad’s family is going through tremendous torment; support from the communities in the Diaspora is of tremendous personal emotional value to them and may inject some humanity into the political process that complicates his release. The Shalit family is a giving, generous family. It has given to more than most to Israel and the community at large.
My cousin Zvi is Gilad’s grandfather. Zvi arrived in Israel in the early 1930s as a child. His father who returned to Poland to attend some business was caught in the war never to return as many relatives and friends. At the age of 17 Zvi joined the British Merchant Navy where he served until the end of the war.
Zvi had twin sons Yoel and Noam. Yoel was killed in the Yom Kippur war. His position on the Golan height was overrun by the Syrians on the first day of the war and all soldiers were captured and executed. Gilad’s older brother was named after him. Noam, Gilad’s father was a paratrooper in the southern front at the time.
In the family tradition, both Gilad and his brother Yoel, when enlisted for their army national service, insisted on serving in the same unit as their uncle. As always they have given their all.
Gilad, a gentle quiet and introspective young man has now spent four years in captivity, all alone. We dread to think about what it is like for him.
Whatever our political views are, this is a humanitarian crisis where basic human right are flagrantly ignored and the world at large is standing by.
So how can we help?
Gilad Shalit Vigil – a vigil will take place all this week outside Downing Street. Every day between 10am and 6pm members of our community will stand outside this world famous land mark and engage members of the public with this issue. Explanatory flyers will be handed out, a giant picture of Gilad Shalit and a banner will be displayed. This is not a political protest about the Arab-Israeli conflict, it is not a criticism of, or comment on, the Israeli government – it is a plea to the world to help Gilad Shalit.
The vigil will be based on two time slots every day – 10am to 2pm and 2pm to 6pm. People are welcome to come along for less time but ideally people are asked to commit to a block so we have all the slots covered. Please reply to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your availability and any other help or ideas you can provide. This is being done in co-operation with CST and the Police and is an FZY: Federation of Zionist Youth initiative support by the ZF: Zionist Federation.
Donations - The campaign in Israel requires funds for publicity, transport for supporters, design and advice, stays in Jerusalem etc. Donations can be sent via this website.
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