'Gilad not real estate.' Aviva, Noam Shalit at rally
Photo: Herzl Yosef
Noam Shalit to PM: Stop abusing Gilad
During mass support rally in Beersheba, captive soldier's father says his son 'buried alive in Gaza'
Noam Shalit, the father of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, reiterated his demand that the government reach a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
"Using its voice and feet, the nation is telling the prime minister and the government, 'Enough with the explanations and excuses. It is time to make a decision'," he told a mass support rally held in Beersheba Wednesday evening, referring to the recent march from the Shalit family home in Mitzpe Hila to Jerusalem.
Shalit's parents march with supporters in Beersheba (Photo: Herzl Yosef)
Addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Noam Shalit said, "Gilad is buried alive in Gaza. Stop abusing him. He is not a piece of real estate."
Prior to the rally, thousands of south Israel's residents marched in Beersheba.
During the demonstration, Mayor Rubik Danilovich also addressed Netanyahu, saying, "You have the support of the entire Israeli nation, which grants you the authority to bring Gilad home in peace. The move is by no means simple, but we are with you."
Earlier Wednesday, Noam Shalit and his wife Aviva met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak. After the meeting, the soldier's father said, 'Barak is willing, but unable. Netanyahu is able, but is scared."
Also this week, the Shalit family met with EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, who told them she mentions the captive soldier in all of her meetings, but also emphasized the need to "end the suffering of the public in Gaza." She noted that an improvement in the situation in Gaza would improve Gilad's situation.
