Noam Shalit: Gilad will not be giving interviews

Freed IDF soldier's father explains that Gilad is 'still in the army so that's why he will not be giving any interviews.' Says his son is feeling better, enjoyed bike ride in home town

Ahiya Raved|Published: 10.20.11 , 10:06

"We're doing alright, everyone is alright," said Yoal, brother of released IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, on Thursday.

Not long afterwards, Gilad was spotted riding his bicycle accompanied by an IDF official. Shalit returned home after nearly half and hour, where he was welcomed by his father, Noam. Shalit told reports that for the time being his son Gilad will not be talking to the media.

For full coverage of Shalit's homecoming, click here

"He is still a soldier so that's why he will not be giving any interviews," said Noam. The father remarked that Gilad is feeling better and enjoyed his bike ride, but added that "there is still time" until her recovers.

Gilad Shalit rides bike (Muhammad Shinawi Zoom Out Productions, Ido Beker)

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After nearly five and a half years, Gilad Shalit and his family celebrated the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah together on Wednesday evening in their Mitzpe Hila home. Gilad's grandparents, Zvi and Yael Shalit, arrived at the family home for a holiday feast, carrying a bouquet of flowers intended for their grandson.

Gilad on his bike (Photo: Avihu Shapira)

The couple refused to comment but Yael waved at Israelis standing near the entrance to the Shalits' street as she excitedly remarked: "I'm Gilad Shalit's grandmother."

Meanwhile, Shalit activists began to disperse from Mitzpe Hila, after spending the past week with Gilad's family prior to his arrival. Ohad Kaner, a prominent Shalit campaigner who operated the Jerusalem protest tent since July 2010, also returned home.

Zvi Shalit arrives at the family home (Photo: Avihu Shapira)

On Wednesday, Gilad woke up in his home for the first time in five and a half years. He was later seen leaving the house for a short stroll outside, accompanied by his mother Aviva. He was wearing a black T-shirt, sunglasses and baseball cap with an IDF sign on it and had a big smile on his face. Friends reported he was in a good mood and even spoke with some of his neighbors.

Gilad also talked on the phone with his classmate who is currently abroad. Another friend arrived for a visit Wednesday afternoon.

Ohad Kaner leaves Mitzpe Hila (Photo: Avihu Shapira)

Dozens of flowers bouquets were sent over to the Shalit family home by different organizations and people. Many Israelis continued to arrive at Mitzpe Hila, passing along flowers and gift bags to Shalit activists to be given to the returning soldier.

Also Wednesday, Noam Shalit and Ya'ara Winkler, girlfriend of Yoel Shalit left to run some errands, Noam told waiting reporters: "Gilad feels good. He needs quiet; we're trying to get back to normal." He also asked that the reporters give the family some space.

The street where the Shalits reside will remain blocked by police for the coming week. Northern District Police chief Roni Atiya said "We shall block the entrance to the house so long as the family asks us to."