Yishai praises protesters
Photo: Gil Yohanan
High school students lobby PM to secure Shalit's release
Holon students hold Hanukkah ceremony in honor of kidnapped soldier; MK Yishai says: Gov't hasn't done enough to secure Shalit's release
Three hundred students from a Holon high school gathered in front of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's house Sunday morning, calling upon him to expedite the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
The students, accompanied by teachers, held up signs reading: "Free Gilad," "Bring Gilad Home" and "Gilad Still Lives."
The protesters also held a Hanukkah ceremony in Shalit's honor, which included the lighting of a large menorah that they brought with them.
Students rally for Shalit (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"Today we will light the first candle of Hanukkah, a holiday that commemorates the victory of light over darkness. We hope that this will help light Gilad's way home and we will witness the miracle of his release soon," said the school's principal, Malka Hiruti.
"At our school, we've discussed the issue of Shalit's release as a primary issue on our agenda. We've participated in rallies in the city, raised a dialogue tent, and have a special corner in the school dedicated to activities to facilitate his release. Today we decided to come to Jerusalem in the hopes that this would help," Hiruti said.
'Afraid to enlist'
"We came in order to support Gilad Shalit's release," high school senior Guy Sasa told Ynet. "Our school took this objective upon itself and we've been working on it for a while. It's important to raise public awareness."Sasa, who is scheduled to enlist in the IDF at the end of the school year, said Shalit's situation is not helping his motivation. "As someone about to enlist, I can say that my friends and I are afraid. Everyone says to himself: How can I serve a country if it's not able to release a kidnapped soldier?"
Nofar, a high school junior, explained the importance of the protest: "We came to bother the government, since they don't pay attention so we need to shout. They're such wimps. It's necessary to go to a different place every day and bother them."
"They shouldn't release prisoners for no reason, they way they are doing now," she added.
The students' protest garnered attention among the upper echelons of the government. Minister of Industry, Trade, and Labor Eli Yishai (Shas) borrowed a megaphone from one of the students and announced: "What you're doing shows the power of the Jewish people. You deserve respect."
"It's with a sad heart that I say that the reason Gilad isn't here is because the government hasn't done enough. You are 100% correct, and I came to strengthen your hand… All the ministers should come and salute you," Yishai said.
"Everything must be done to bring Gilad home. I myself am willing to meet with Hamas, with the murderers, with (Hamas politburo chief Khalad) Mashaal in order to return Gilad home safe and sound," he added.
