MK Ayalon. Contradicted Barak
Photo: Amir Cohen
Noam Shalit. Appealed to PM
Photo: Amir Cohen
Goldwasser: No magical formula
Photo: Amir Cohen
Minister Ayalon: Shalit rally important democratic move
Responding to defense minister's criticism of demonstration for release of kidnapped soldier, Ayalon says rally 'could weaken Hamas' requests.' Noam Shalit calls on Olmert 'not to leave unfinished business behind' and release his son
A rally calling for the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit was held on Sunday at the point of his capture, the Kerem Shalom crossing on the border with Gaza. During the rally the soldier's father, Noam Shalit, called on outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert "not
to leave unfinished business behind" and release his son.
In an interview with Army Radio on Sunday, Barak said that though he understood the motivation behind the rally, "the demonstrations require thought, as we should think about signaling to the other side in a way that will not raise the price but rather reduce it."
Minister Ami Ayalon (Labor) was also present at the rally, and responded to Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s comments, made earlier in the day. “Barak said that the protest may raise the price of the captive, but it could also weaken Hamas’ requests, which are completely independent of the public’s stance.”
Father Speaks Out
Kidnapped soldier's father responds to defense minister's warning that rallies calling for Gilad Shalit's release may raise price demanded by terror groups. 'The government had almost two and a half years to bring Gilad back without protests, but they failed to do it,' he says
According to Ayalon, “Barak’s position brings a simple perspective of the democratic discussion that needs to take place among the leadership and their constituency. A strong democracy is one in which the public tells their decision-makers what they think.”
Ayalon added, "We sent Shalit into battle and we must bring him home. Our obligation – the Israeli government, the IDF, and the Israeli people's obligation – is not to abandon Gilad and to fight for his release. Every day that passes without his return is not only a wasted day, but time that works against us."
The protest in Kerem Shalom began in the morning, when dozens of demonstrators blocked the goods crossing for three hours. They held banners stating, 'Gilad is alive' and protested the transfer of goods into Gaza while negotiations for the kidnapped soldier's life were at a standstill.
Gilad's father Noam Shalit called on Olmert to "do what he could not do for two and a half years" and release his son from captivity. "The holidays will soon be over, and the window of opportunity is closing. Act now and don't leave unfinished business behind," he said.
Shalit added, "Public support gives us strength and encourages us to continue this horrible and never-ending battle to return Gilad. It seems I am not alone, and many people are appealing for his release."
Karnit Goldwasser, widow of kidnapped soldier Ehud Goldwasser whose body was returned to Israel during the prisoner swap with Hizbullah, also attended the protest. "We also held rallies, but there is no magical formula or right way here," she said.
"In order to release Gilad we need serious negotiations, but a rally such as this strengthens the family. I can understand their difficulty as time goes on and we know he is alive, but still the family stands before the unknown."
