Coming Home

Something I have learned being here is that the world does not stop changing around you just because you have some blog posts to catch up on. Unfortunately the old posts are going to have to wait, but honestly—it is not so unfortunate.

Gilad Shalit is an Israel solider who was kidnapped in Gaza over five years ago and has been held captive ever since. This summer, I worked at the Mercer Island JCC camp as the Judaics educator and as part of our Israel week I had the kids write letters to Gilad’s parents. Three weeks ago Julia Snyder and I walked to the Gilad Shalit tent (that sits outside of the prime minister’s house) to drop the letters off and instead of finding a box to leave them in we found his parents accompanied by a group of visitors. We waited outside the tent because we weren’t sure who the visitors were and it looked like they were talking. We waited a bit longer…and then a bit longer. Then I realized, no, they’re not talking. Everyone was just kind of sitting making small talk because, really, what is there to say? All there is left is anticipation: what will tomorrow bring? News of life? News of the unmentionable? There are no right words to offer, but there is something to say for the prayers and hope that come from kids. I entered the tent and explained to them what I had and who they were from. We exchanged awkward smiles and thank yous, then Julia and I headed right back down the street to our building.

But tonight? Tonight celebration has exploded from the tent. Tonight there is singing. Tonight there is dancing. Tonight there is hope. Tonight you can hear the song and feel the smiles of Gilad’s family, friends, and nation. Tonight a deal was signed for the release of Gilad Shalit.

For five years Gilad hasn’t seen his family, hung out with his friends, slept in his own bed, gotten to choose what he eats for dinner, or gotten to listen to his favorite song. In the upcoming days, בעזרת השם, he will.

Walking down any street in Israel on a day-to-day basis you see signs that read “גלעד עדיין חי,” and  you see graffiti on sides of buildings with messages of the like. People all over the world have been hoping and praying for this day that is finally right around the corner.

I cannot even begin to explain to you what it is like out in front of Gilad’s tent tonight, so instead I’ll give you a few pictures/videos so you can see for yourself!!!

This is the chair in Gilad's tent that is left for him to sit on when he comes back!

This sign sits outside of the tent which is outside of the prime minister's home. It reads: "Sarah and Bibi, I have been sitting in my cell alone for 1934 days, and where are you?" The number is changed on a daily basis...

Unfortunately, the terrorists did not just wake up this morning and say “Hmm, I feel like letting Gilad go home…” If only it were that simple. In exchange for Gilad’s return, 1000 terrorists are being released from Israeli prisons. Among them are men of lethal standings. You must realize that this is a victory of Hamas too. You must realize that celebration is happening in the streets of Gaza too.

Tonight, among those celebrating there were also those protesting. I think it was only a girl and what appeared to be her brother, but she was holding these signs:

The first sign says “Today is a day of mourning. The blood of my parents is boiling in their grave.” The second sign reads “I hope that the terrorists from the attack on the Subaru restaurant launch an attack on the Shalit family, or even the prime minister’s.”

It is evident that this girl’s parents were victims of terror and it is understandable how the release of these terrorists affects her. As I was taking these pictures a man came up to her and began arguing with her about how she could stand out here and hold signs like these. An officer then came and got in the middle telling him to back off because this is an emotional subject.

There is no saying that this trade was done lightly. We want Gilad back and we wish we didn’t have to make an exchange of this type. What is the right answer when trying to negotiate with terrorists?

Gaza and the West Bank want independence, Egypt is turned upside-down and the list could go on.With all that is happening in the Arab world right now, this is our best chance.  I truly believe that the Israeli government would not agree to a deal of this magnitude if they did not believe the same—this could be our last chance.

For now all we can do is continue to hope and pray that within the upcoming days an innocent boy will be returned home to his parents.

גלעד עדיין חי, וגלעד חוזר!!!

P.S. the videos would not upload, but they are on their way!