How to Free Gilad Shalit

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gilad-shalit-smallBy Dovid Efune

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) revealed on Monday that seven Israeli Arabs affiliated with Al Qaeda and Global Jihad were arrested for allegedly murdering a taxi driver last year. They also revealed that the terrorists were apprehended before they could carry out their next plan – kidnapping an IDF soldier.

Consider putting yourself in the shoes of a terrorist mastermind plotting your next attack and how best to go about it, you may very well begin to understand why the option of capturing Israeli soldiers is so appealing and thus preferred.

Here are some of the advantages of holding captive an Israeli citizen over other acts of terrorism:

1. The chances of remaining alive through a military kidnapping operation are considerably higher than with a suicide bombing, shooting or bulldozer attack.

2. While still maintaining the fundamental principle of striking indiscriminate fear in the hearts of the victims, capturing an IDF soldier comes across as far more humane than a suicide bombing, as a soldier is considered a military target as opposed to a civilian one. Additionally there is less likely to be bloody imagery of the barbaric act splashed across the front pages of various media outlets.

3. The likelihood of receiving something tangible in return, such as the release of prisoners is very high. As a MK recently mentioned; “it is the best bargain in the Middle East.”

4. One of the primary objectives of international terror groups is recognition for their cause and agendas. When the family and supporters of a captured soldier are constantly headline news, the terror organization is privy to such recognition on an ongoing basis.

5. The political leverage that can be generated through holding an Israeli soldier captive is remarkable. As demonstrated by Gilad Shalit whose captivity has become a large issue of political campaigns in Israel, Israeli politicians are often held in a vice for all practical purposes over the issue of soldiers in captivity by the heavy weight of public opinion.

For the past few days, the family of Gilad Shalit together with friends and supporters has been engaged in a protest march launched on the day of the 4th anniversary of his capture. Police estimated that 10,000 marchers participated in the first day of the procession, when the Shalit family left their home in Mitzpeh Hila, in the north of the country. The procession is scheduled to end outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem.

It was reported in Haaretz on Sunday that Netanyahu demanded that the cabinet evince a “firm stance” against the anticipated public pressure generated by the march, in the belief that a tougher approach in the face of Israeli public opinion will compel Hamas to moderate its demands in the prisoner swap negotiations.

It is hard to imagine what the Shalit family is going through, four years of torment and turmoil, sleepless nights and constant anguish, unsure of the wellbeing of their son, and what will become of him.

Noam Shalit has mentioned many times that all that matters is results. Additionally his family more than anyone else, will also want to ensure that no other will ever have to endure their pain, and would want their son to be freed in a fashion that doesn’t facilitate the future kidnapping of young Israeli soldiers.

It is for that reason that I would point out to all those who are actively pressuring the Israeli government to work towards the release of Gilad Shalit to be specific in their demands, and what they would like the Netanyahu government to do. If results are the aim, then maybe this is what they should be asking for:

1. Inform Hamas authorities that until the release of Gilad Shalit, no visits will be allowed for Hamas prisoners in Israeli jails, except the Red Cross.

2. The vast majority of the Hamas leadership directly has Israeli blood on their hands; Israel should pledge to begin assassinating them one by one until Shalit is released.

3. Tighten the blockade of Gaza, yes, tighten the blockade of Gaza! The people of Gaza will need to be shown that there are consequences for supporting the leadership of a terror group that holds captive young Israeli men, meting out endless torment to their families.

Netanyahu made his political career in teaching the west how to win the battle against terrorism, and the first step was always never negotiate with terror; he should know what to do better than anyone else.

The author is the director of the Algemeiner Journal and the GJCF and can be e-mailed at [email protected].

{Matzav.com Newscenter}


11 COMMENTS

  1. There is only one way to free Shalit and prevent further kidnappings:

    Cut of all water and electricity to the Gaza Strip.

    Cluster bomb populated areas everyday, with the aim of killing at least 10000 arabs, until Gilad Shalit is freed. I know this sounds a little harsh, but the life of 1 Jew is worth more than all the Jew-hating arabs in the world.

    All terrorist currently in Israeli prisons should be executed immediately.

    In future, all terrorists that are caught should be given 1 month severe unbearable torture and afterwards be executed.

  2. Never negoiate with terror is just that. The Torah forbids to pay a ransom for this type of kidnapping.

    when the terrororists realize they will get nothing in ruturn for any kidnapped soldier, etc they will stop.

  3. sounds like great ideas – how do we get the Israeli gov to back these ideas? Is there somewhere to call or e-mail

  4. btw i”m happy that matzav.com is concerned alot about Gilad Shalit and not just Sholom Rubashkin. Although Rubashkin Is closer to us and maybe more in our hands to save him, I have seen some heimishe media outlets Stress Jonatan Polard as Priority 1. and at the same time “almost” ignoring Rubashkin…! we need to try to save/help whomever we can But OBVIOUSLY a Person like Rubashkin who’s close to us and the ‘Kurban’ of the liberal media. and we may be “the only one’s” that can save him with Hashem’s Help. unlike Polard and Shalit who’s part of a much larger Community Internationaly. I hope i made my point.

  5. Yudel:

    We should never know from such tragedies: We cannot relate in the slightest to the pain that the Shalits have been living through every second for the past 4 years. It is very easy to make comments such as yours when it is not our own children and proves that you view others children less important than your own which is also a transgression of “Love thy fellow as thyself”. A little more sensitivity is in order.

  6. to #8

    Rather than knock Yudel with your personal remarks, how about acknowledging the truth of what he said. It is forbidden to endanger millions of Jews by releasing terrorists. Period. It is tragic that the State of Israel has allowed its citizen to languish in captivity while negotiating and meeting with our enemies and groveling before anyone who tells us off. Israel should say what you said: It’s easy for you (the US, France, etc.) to tell us what to do and condemn us when it’s not your borders that are being invaded by rockets, when it’s not your children who are being blown up.

    Yes, more sensitivity is in order and unfortunately it is often misplaced. “Those who have compassion when they should be cruel, will be cruel when they should be compassionate.”

  7. This is something I have just done:

    To always keep Gilad in mind, I have renamed my wireless network SSID “Gilad Shalit”. This also broadcasts his name in the neighborhood to create awareness. Please consider doing the same. Support: discounters at yahoo dot com

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