Guilty of hypocrisy

There is something heartbreaking, not to mention annoying, when one examines public opinion regarding the release of our abducted soldiers.

For months we saw impressive public enlistment to the campaign of exerting pressure on the government to bring about their quick release. When it came to rallies, demonstrations, bicycle tours, marches, and many other protests, we saw not only many Israeli citizens, but also public figures and journalists. They all called on the government to do everything to bring results and prove, in practice, that we do not abandon our sons and do not rest for a moment until they return to their loving families.

According to media reports, negotiations aimed at securing Gilad Shalit's release are approaching the final stretch. Yet now of all times it appears the voices of support are fading.

Suddenly, when the price required for securing Shalit's release is up for public debate, people shy away from voicing an unequivocal position. Those who knew how to take advantage of the families' distress in order to attack the government are suddenly making "not at any price" declarations. They also attempt to stir up public sentiments against the release of terrorists, while reintroducing the horrific images of the terrible terror attacks we suffered.

Did any of these politicians, who were quick to ride on the wave of protest over the handling of the captives, think that their release would be facilitated without paying a painful price? Is there any kind of Israeli government that can bring about the release of our captives without paying such price? Is there any government that managed to do that in the past? When they called on the government to "do everything" in order to secure Shalit's release, did they mean "everything" aside from the things that can actually lead to his release? Did they think Hamas would demand minor gestures in exchange for Shalit, such as the release of stone throwers?

True test of morals

A significant measure of cynicism is needed in order to stand by the captives' families when this is convenient politically and desert them when the moment of truth arrives, where there is a genuine chance to at least return Gilad Shalit back home to his parents in the Galilee. One needs to be suffering from nearsightedness in order to focus the entire debate on the question of price and resort to terms such as "blood on their hands" and "the release of murderers," as if it was not clear form the very first day in the struggle for Shalit's release that this is exactly what is needed from those who truly want to bring about his release.

The true test for politicians, columnists, and the general public, who all joined the protest moves, is now - vis-à-vis the price. It was not difficult to wear a t-shirt with a nice slogan or hold up a balloon while demanding that Shalit be released, but the test is now, in supporting a courageous deal that for lack of any other option would include the release of terrorists with blood on their hands.

Of course, not at any price – for that end we have a negotiation team. Yet those who prepare the attack on any painful deal – which is the only deal possible – are in fact preparing an attack against Gilad's release. Now is the true test of the morals which Israeli society pretends to be premised on: The sanctity of life and the total commitment to do everything possible in order to return our soldiers safely to their families.

The weight of public support is particularly significant due to the government's difficulty in taking painful decisions, in the face of criticism, without broad public support.

The message to the government and to the prime minister must be sharp and clear: Engage in stubborn negotiations and do everything possible to bring about a successful conclusion. We will back the deal you decide on.

We want to see Gilad Shalit being hugged by his parents, and for that we are willing to pay the price you decide on. This is the ultimate test of the value of sanctity of life that we wish to see at the basis of Israeli society.

The writer is the Kibbutz Movement's secretary general