Noam Shalit shows support of disabled veterans

The father of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit visited the disabled IDF veterans' protest tent near the Defense Ministry's office in Tel Aviv on Thursday and expressed his support of their struggle.

After concluding a meeting in the Kirya army base Noam Shalit agreed to visit the protestors' tent. "I wished them luck in their struggle," he told Ynet and added "I sympathize with them like the rest of the Israeli people. They too support our campaign and I wish them well."

Gabi Kate, one of the leaders of the disabled veterans' campaign said that the gesture significantly increased their morale. "We're glad that he stands behind us as we do behind him."

Disabled IDF Veterans Association chairman Haim Bar said, "We welcome Noam's support. Unfortunately Gilad Shalit has yet to return home. We shall embrace him upon his return as part of us, hopefully finding him in good mental and physical condition."

Bar further noted he hoped Shalit won't require the association's services when he returns.

Veterans' campaign reaches Knesset

Head of the campaign for the release of Shalit Shimshon Libman said on Saturday, "We are now ready to return and make our voices heard in public so as not to allow the matter to be taken off the agenda."

The statements were made after many weeks of calm by campaign members following the broadcast of a videotape of Shalit which sparked hope of progress in a prisoner swap deal.

After blocking roads and causing extensive traffic jams, the disabled veterans' campaign reached the Knesset on Wednesday.

The veterans claimed that the rehabilitation department had failed in dealing with

bureaucracy, forcing many to undergo a long and complex procedure denying them of their basic rights.

The Knesset members who attended the discussion supported the veterans' campaign but also urged them to begin negotiations with the Defense Ministry.