Shalit march reaches Jerusalem

Thousands of marchers enter capital en route to downtown Jerusalem in show of support for abducted IDF soldier; Gilad Shalit's parents intend to remain in Jerusalem until their son is released

Ynet|Last update: 07.08.10 , 18:22

After almost two weeks, marchers reach capital: Twelve days after departing from the northern Israel community of Mitzpe Hila, the mass march in support of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalti's release reached Jerusalem, its final destination.

By Thursday evening, about 15,000 people arrived at the rally on behalf of Shalit.

Meanwhile, protestors objecting to the mass release of terrorists in exchange for Shalit were gathering outside the Prime Minister's official residence in the capital.

Thousands or marchers poured into the capital Thursday afternoon via Highway 1 and passed by the Chords Bridge at the entrance to the city, en route to downtown Jerusalem. The event's concluding rally was scheduled to be held in the capital's Independence Garden (Gan HaAtzmaut.)

About 10 "Our Eretz Israel" activists, headed by Knesset Member Michael Ben-Ari, were waiting for the marchers at the entrance to the capital and urged the government not to release terrorists in exchange for Gilad.

"Gilad can and should be returned via a military operation rather than capitulation," they said.

Gilad's mother, Aviva Shalit, is expected to deliver a speech at the rally. Former Shin Bet Director Carmi Gillon will also speak at the event. The Shalit family said it will stay in Jerusalem until Gilad's release.

Earlier, the Jerusalem police warned motorists ahead of expected traffic jams and downtown chaos in the capital because of the Shalit march. Because of the expected chaos, police advised motorists who have no intention of taking part in the march to stay away from the city.

We expect traffic jams in most of downtown because of the thousands and possibility hundreds of thousands of marchers" the Jerusalem Police's Kobi Davidian told Ynet. "This is the reason why we're deploying large forces, and more than 1,500 police officers and Border Guard forces will be ensuring the safety of participants and directing traffic."