‘Gilad’s tale just might come true’
Book based on story written by kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit launched in Nahariya. Story tells of a shark and fish that realize it’s better to live as friends than enemies
“The story speaks for itself,” said Noam Shalit. “An 11-year-old child wrote this story, which is so very relevant to the situation he finds himself in today. It speaks of two mortal enemies who come to the conclusion that it is better to live peacefully side by side than eat the other alive. They overcome their mothers' mutual suspicions and fears to become fast friends.”
“Gilad is still in Palestinian hands somewhere in Gaza, and a year and a half after his kidnapping we still hope and pray that he comes home safe and sound," Shalit added.
"I hope that this book and the exhibition of children’s drawing displayed at the gallery will send a loud and clear message to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders. There is French saying that states that the truth comes ‘from the mouth of babes’, and now all we have to do is persuade our leaders of this simple truth.”
‘A career in writing’
Edge Gallery curator, Lee Rimon, noted that the exhibition of children’s drawings inspired by Shalit’s book will travel to the Monart Museum in Ashdod, and from there to Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva and Jerusalem, among other cities.
“The book is the embodiment of the bible verse ‘and a child shall lead them’“, said Rimon. “Gilad, through this positive tale of the shark and fish, courageously teaches us that in spite of ancient grudges and prejudices we can all live together in peace.
"I only pray that his story comes true in real life as well and that he comes back home and finds his rightful niche as an author," she said.
Published by Kinneret publishers, along with Zemora-Bitan Publishing, the Israeli Association of illustrators, and members of the Shalit family, Gilad Shalit’s book will soon be reprinted, after early copies soon ran out.
