| Response to release of Gilad Shalit |
| Written by Ruby Ong |
|
18 October 2011
Today is a historic day for the people of Israel. Gilad Shalit has returned home. His five year ordeal has ended. The New Israel Fund joins with all of Israel to celebrate his freedom. During his captivity, tens of thousands of Israelis -- lead by Gilad’s parents -- worked tirelessly to see to it that Gilad’s imprisonment was never forgotten or dropped from the public agenda. Their actions demonstrate that mutual responsibility remains a core value of Israeli society. Today, we all join together to welcome one of Israel’s sons home. Today, all of us who care about Israel say a collective Shehecheyanu, a blessing of deep gratitude for reaching this extraordinary moment. |
Immediately following the release of Gilad Shalit from Hamas captivity, New Israel Fund CEO Daniel Sokatch made the following statement: