Oct 18, 2011

Gilad Shalit Is Home

Ryan JonesBy Ryan Jones
Israel Today

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After more than five years of being held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, Gilad Shalit is home with his family in Israel.

Noam Shalit embraces his son after more than five years of laboring for his freedom.His release came at a steep price, with Israel freeing more than 1,000 Palestinian terrorists, many with "blood on their hands." Nevertheless, there were not many dry eyes in Israel on Tuesday as the nation watched the touching scene of Gilad embracing his father, Noam Shalit, who has labored tirelessly on the international stage on behalf of his son.

After being transferred to the Egyptian Sinai early Tuesday morning, Shalit crossed into southern Israel via the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing. He was checked there by Israeli army doctors who declared him to be in good health.

From there Shalit was flown to Tel Nof Air Force Base to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other government and military leaders, as well as his anxiously waiting parents.

Later in the day, the family was returned to their home in Mitzpe Hila in northern Israel.


Related Links


'Freed prisoners who return to terror do so at own risk' - Jerusalem Post
Photo Essay: Wet-Eyed Israel Welcomes Shalit Back Home - Arutz Sheva
Netanyahu justifies Shalit deal
Gilad Shalit release: live - Telegraph.co.uk
Gilad Shalit met by ecstatic parade as he returns home after 5 years - Ha'aretz