Reactions from around the Jewish world poured in on Tuesday following the
release of Gilad Schalit earlier in the day.
Jewish groups in the US
welcomed his release while acknowledging the price paid by the Israeli
government.
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Mitzpe Hila reacts joyously to first Schalit photos“For years, we have hoped and prayed for his freedom and
return to his family and to the people of Israel,” said Jerry Silverman,
president & CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America. “From my own
personal meetings with the Schalit family in the tent where they anxiously
awaited this day, I am elated that they will be reunited with their son and
mourn for the other Israeli families that have paid a painful price in this
conflict.”
The World Jewish Congress came out in support of the
government’s decision to
free the 1,000 prisoners calling it “painful” but one
that eventually “paid off.”
“Gilad is finally coming home, which is
wonderful news for his family and the entire Jewish people,” said WJC President
Ronald S. Lauder.
“Despite the enormously painful price that only Israel
would consider paying, Jewish communities across the globe stand side by side
with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet’s decision, and they
salute Noam and Aviva Schalit for their courage. Their relentless struggle has
finally paid off.”
The European branch of the WJC noted the involvement
of European countries in the swap thanking the German mediator
Gerhard Konrad
for brokering the deal.
“Konrad was obviously instrumental in securing
the deal for Schalit’s release and the German government deserves our gratitude
for this important assistance,” said European Jewish Congress President Moshe
Kantor.”
Moreover, the strong messages of support from various European
governments, specifically the French and the Italian, for the release of the
Israeli soldier were important morally and kept the issue on the front burner in
European capitals during these five long years.”
The New York Jewish
community also rejoiced in the news of Schalit’s homecoming.
“Schalit’s
safe return home demonstrates some of Israel’s most inspiring qualities: Its
embrace of life, its sense of community and family, its tenacity and the great
lengths to which Israel is prepared to go to fulfill its commitment to the men
and women who make up its citizen army,” read a statement by Anti-Defamation
League National Chairman Robert Sugarman and ADL National Director Abraham
Foxman, which noted that Israel has come to see Schalit as “their own son and
brother.”
American Jewish Committee executive director David Harris
released a statement saying “Gilad Schalit’s arrival home is long-awaited news
for his devoted family, for the Israeli people, and for countless others around
the world who never gave up hope for his safe return from Gaza, where Hamas had
held him incommunicado for more than five years.”
B’nai B’rith
International President Allan J. Jacobs said that though they are thankful that
Schalit has been returned safely to Israel and his family, they’re outraged at
his treatment over the last five years.
“The terrorist group Hamas
ignored all international entreaties for proof of Schalit’s well-being over the
years. The group should not be praised for this much belated and cynical
action.”
