Waiting. Shalit
Photo: Zeev Trachtman
Site of rocket attack
Photo: Zeev Trachtman
Mayor of Rome visits site of Qassam attack with Noam Shalit
Gianni Alemanno promises to help in reconstruction of homes damaged in rocket strike, says fundamentalism 'problem of entire western world'; locals call on captive soldier's father to be 'less polite' in struggle for his son's release
Mayor of Rome, Gianni Alemanno, arrived in the town of Sderot on Tuesday evening together with Noam Shalit, the father of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The two visited the impact site where a Palestinian Qassam rocket landed earlier in the evening.
Alemanno vowed to assist with the reconstruction of the homes damaged by the rocket attack. The city of Rome is bestowing honorary citizenship on Shalit, who said he does "not envy" the residents of Sderot.
Shalit with Sderot residents (Photo: Zeev Trachtman)
Asked by reporters about the efforts to free his captive son, Shalit said "we are waiting patiently and hope to hear news."
Several locals approached Shalit and suggested that he step up the campaign for Gilad's release. "I think that you should fight. The problem is that you are too polite and gentle; you have to yell," one of the residents told him.
The mayor of Rome said he hoped the rocket attack does not signify the beginning of a new war, adding "fundamentalism is the problem of the entire western world, not only Israel's."
