Sign posted in Paris
Photo: AP
Paris campaign calls for Shalit's freedom
French PR firm launches bid to rope public interest in fate of kidnapped soldier; 16th Arrondissement first to respond in campaign advocates hope will sweep Europe
A public relations firm in France has launched a new campaign promoting public interest in the case of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, with the hope of putting pressure on President Nicolas Sarkozy's government to act on the issue.
The campaign's first step was to post a giant sign before the municipality building of Paris' 16th Arrondissement.
Giant poster unveiled in 16th Arrondissement (Photo: AP)
The campaign was conceived two weeks ago, at which time Noam Shalit, Gilad's father, was visiting the French capital. The PR agency, Euro RSCG, applied to the heads of Paris' various municipalities, and the first to respond was the 16th Arrondissement.
Noam Shalit expressed hopes that eventually the campaign would encircle all of Paris and other European capitals. He stressed that the campaign was being handled exclusively by volunteers, and that it was expected to spread throughout Europe.
Gilad Shalit has dual citizenship in France and Israel, and the French government has faithfully supported appeals for his release. Sarkozy has even transferred a letter from Noam Shalit to Syria, in an attempt to transport it to the kidnapped soldier.
Sarkozy expresses his commitment to Gilad Shalit from time to time, and has said that he sees him as a standard French citizen. During a press conference last month he stated, "We have not forgotten. France is always willing to be recruited in support of a man held unjustly."
