This Shabbos Designated as Shabbos Shalit
The Institute for Public Affairs of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America has asked all shuls to devote this Shabbos to raising awareness among mispallelim of the plight of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.The program, titled “Shabbat Ne’edarei Tzahal,” urges the Jewish community to contact elected officials and request that the U.S. work toward Shalit’s release.
The week of Parshas Vayeishev was specially singled out for Shabbat Ne’edarei Tzahal. Parshas Vayeishev recounts the story of Mechiras Yosef and describes the heartbreak of Yaakov Avinu, who remained inconsolable for his loss. Yaakov was torn by doubts and questions concerning his beloved son Yosef’s fate (see Rashi, Bereishis 37, 35). Similarly, the Jewish community cannot rest until its Jewish son is freed from prison and reunited with his family.
On June 25, 2006, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was abducted at a border crossing at the Gaza Strip, near the area of Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, and has been held in captivity by Hamas since. A video of Shalit was released on October 2, 2009, showing him to be alive, but he remains a prisoner in Gaza. Hamas has repeatedly denied International Committee of the Red Cross requests for access to Shalit, and has demanded the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Shalit.
{Dovid Bernstein-Matzav.com Newscenter}
7 Responses to “This Shabbos Designated as Shabbos Shalit”
2. Comment from Orthowatch.blogspot.com
Time December 10, 2009 at 3:04 PM
Shalit wasn’t smuggling drugs.
3. Comment from Eik
Time December 10, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Why can’t they do something real like asking their members to be mekabel shabbos 10 minutes earlier? Why are these umbrella organizations always busy with awareness yet short on action?
4. Comment from To #3
Time December 10, 2009 at 6:13 PM
Comment #2 made my stomach turn. May you never be used unknowingly for nefarious purposes. May you also develop a tiny sliver of concern for your fellow Jews.
5. Comment from Anonymous
Time December 10, 2009 at 9:49 PM
The boys (all of them) need our tefillos. Where is Shabbos Pollard, for that matter? It’s tefillos, folks.
6. Comment from ZB
Time December 11, 2009 at 1:42 AM
What about the boy from boro park who was kidnapped by lebanese guerillas in 1982??? why do we not care about him anymore?
7. Comment from Anonymous
Time December 11, 2009 at 2:09 AM
how about a shabbos rubashkin?
1. Comment from Ehrliche Yid
Time December 10, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Can we please have a “Shabbos for the 3 Boys in Japan”? not a chance. It’s not Medinas Yisroel related.