Convoy makes its way to Red Cross offices
Photo courtesy of Israeli Embassy in Bangkok
Israeli flags in Bangkok
Photo: AP
Israelis, Thais rally for Shalit in Bangkok
Some 30 auto rickshaws make their way to Red Cross offices in Thailand's capital carrying pictures of kidnapped Israeli soldiers
Some 200 Israelis and Thais took part Friday morning in a rally calling for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Yael Rubenstein told Ynet, "The event was organized by the Thailand-Israel
Friendship Association, which is comprised of Thais who support Israel and Israelis living in Thailand, with the help of the Israeli Embassy in Thailand.
The protestors also demanded that Red Cross representatives be allowed to visit the Israeli captive, who has not been visited by anyone since his abduction more than two years and three months ago.
Sad Holiday Meal
Ahiya Raved
Gilad Shalit's father participates in protest dinner outside prime minister's Jerusalem residence. "I want to ask for Gilad's forgiveness – we have failed to bring him home,' he says
"The idea behind the event was to express solidarity with the call for Shalit's release upon the Jewish New Year, using a unique characteristic from the Thai landscape – the tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw)."
Tuk-tuk carrying Gilad Shalit's photo (Photo: AP)
Some 30 tuk-tuks took to the streets of Bangkok carrying Israeli flags and pictures of Gilad Shalit. Forty-five minutes later, the participants arrived at the Red Cross offices in the Thai capital and delivered Shana Tova (Happy New Year) cards addressed to the kidnapped soldier.
The cards were illustrated with a box of pomegranates with one missing fruit symbolizing Shalit. During the visit to the Red Cross offices, the protestors demanded that representatives of the relief organization try and visit the captive.
Rubenstein told Ynet about the reactions on Bangkok's streets. "It was very exciting seeing the Thais so moved, with tears in their eyes, upon seeing the convoy. We sang "Lu Yehi" (I wish) and sent blue and white balloons into the air.
"We also handed out leaflets to the passerby who expressed their interest in the affair. The Thais' solidarity was very moving and raised a lot of hopes," she concluded.
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped into the Gaza Strip 831 days ago.
