Shalit’s brother: No more excuses
Abducted soldier’s family, supporters protest outside prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem
The Shalit family and many of its supporters held a rally Tuesday evening to mark the 1,500-day captivity of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
The protest was held outside the prime minister’s official residence in Jerusalem, where the Shalits have set up a protest tent, vowing to stay there until Gilad is released.
Speaking at the rally and later to Ynet, Shalit’s brother ,Yoel, urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the immediate release of the abducted soldier, who turned 24 Tuesday.
“Don’t leave us in the harsh cold of winter in Jerusalem. You’re out of excuses, we’re out of patience, and Gilad is running out of time,” Yoel said. “Put an end to this miserable affair, which is a disgrace for the State of Israel…1,500 days ago, in the morning, IDF representatives knocked on my apartment door in Haifa and changed my life.”
Addressing his brother, Yoel said: “My younger brother, hold on a little bit longer. Stay strong and know that the entire people of Israel has a wish for your birthday – to see you at home.”
'Long struggle.' Rally in Jerusalem (Photo: AFP)
Gilad’s brother added that despite the broad support enjoyed by the abducted soldier’s family, this has not yet translated into optimism on the prospect of his release.
“To our regret, we’re preparing for a long struggle, but we shall not give up. This is like long-distance running,” he said. “We won’t let off until we get good news. It’s very frustrating that after so much time, we still need to sit here.”
“We draw plenty of strength from the visitors and hope that all this support will make it all the way to the top, to the decision-makers,” he said.
Ahead of Yoel’s speech, Shalit supporters at the site formed a human circle, surrounding the prime minister’s residence while donning Gilad Shalit masks on their faces and chanting: “Gilad is still alive.”
The soldier’s father, Noam Shalit, said that “Gilad is going through long and sorrowful days; long and nightmarish days…we again urge you, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, behind the sealed windows and iron gates: You have the power and ability to put an end to this sad and miserable affair and save Gilad’s life.”
“I’m urging the prime minister: Stop hesitating and foot-dragging, stop fearing horrific scenarios, and take a decision like a leader,” he said.
