Statement on the Release of Gilad Shalit

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation, our Jewish Community Relations Council, the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami and our entire community join the people of Israel in welcoming home Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists when he was only 19 years old on June 25, 2006. Throughout Gilad’s captivity – which was internationally condemned for its cruel isolation, and included no family contact or Red Cross visits – our community has worked tirelessly to advocate on his behalf and to press for his release.

For the citizens of Israel and for people of good will everywhere, the imprisonment of an innocent young man for five years has been most difficult and painful. For Gilad’s loving family, we can never fully comprehend the pain they experienced as they longed for his safe return – nor the immense relief they are enjoying at this time. We praise Israel’s leaders for their determination to find a way to bring Gilad home, but we also understand that the decision they made to exchange Gilad for more than 1,000 prisoners – many of whom had blood on their hands – was a deeply agonizing one.

In accepting this very difficult deal, the State of Israel is once again affirming the infinite value it places on each and every human life, reflecting the Talmudic dictum, “To save a single life is as if one has saved an entire universe.” And we in the Diaspora, in celebrating Gilad’s release, are affirming our solidarity with the people of Israel as we share in their joy, for he is our son, our brother, our family – the family of the Jewish people worldwide.

We pray that Gilad and his family are able to heal from this terrible chapter in their lives and enjoy many years of good health and happiness together. Join us in marking the joyous end to the campaign for Gilad’s release by following this link to leave personal wishes.