"Bringing the boys home is a national interest and it must be at the top of Israel's priorities. That is message to the government and the man heading it, that is our message to our elected officials in the
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Knesset, but unfortunately this is something that hasn't happened," Shlomo Goldwasser lamented at a speech given at the closing ceremony of the annual Yokneam popular hike on Saturday afternoon.
Some 40,000 people participated in this year's event, which was dedicated to kidnapped soldiers Eldad Regev, Gilad Shalit and Goldwasser's son, Ehud. Hikers set out on the 7-mile course under the banner of 'March, and never forget.'
Marching for the captives (Photo: Hagai Aharon)
"Many people ask me what is being done to bring them home. And the answer is that everything is being done – but the fact remains that they have not yet returned. Many people ask me what more can be done, and I tell them that we must remind those involved in the process that this matter is important to everyone. Today they are not only our sons, they have become everyone's sons," said Goldwasser.
"People ask me how we're able to hang in there, and this is the answer" he told the assembled crowd, "you are all here to strengthen us."
Goldwasser was joined at the event by Eldad Regev's brother Eyal, who thanked the participants for their support.
Shlomo Goldwasser (second from right) on Saturday (Photo: Hagai Aharaon)
"This event in Yokneam joins a long list of events being held all over Israel and throughout the free world.
In every synagogue we have visited abroad there are photographs of the boys hanging on the wall, along with prayers for their safe return. We hope to see Udi (Ehud), Eldad and Gilad (Shalit) all come home."
Yokneam Mayor Simon Alfasi echoed Goldwasser's call to remind Israel's leadership of its obligation towards the captives. "There is no room for hesitation," he said, "the Israeli government must act before it is too late, even if the price is a painful one."
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