Jerusalemites watch Schalit's return in family protest tent

Tent in which Schalit family and supporters sat and prayed for Gilad's safe return for more than 5 years now sits empty as the Schalits have their son back.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, THE MEDIA LINE
Schalit tent empty (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Schalit tent empty
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
The Schalit protest tent sits empty in Jerusalem as Gilad's family has gone home to meet him. Noam and Aviva, the parents of the captive soldier, sat here for five years with their supporters calling on the government to find a way to bring their son home and praying he would be returned safe and sound as soon as possible. Their prayers were finally answered as the family now sits together at their home in Mitzpe Hila, five years and four months after Gilad was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in a cross-border raid.
Jerusalemites are relieved that the story ended happily for the Schalits. Noam and Aviva received their son back safely and reasonably soundly, considering the conditions in which he was held captive by the Hamas terrorist organization. Many worry what tomorrow may bring, considering that the cost of bringing Gilad home was releasing 1,027 terrorists from Israeli prisons, many of whom planned and carried out viciouskillings of Israeli men, women, children and babies. However, now is the time to celebrate. Gilad Schalit, an Israeli hero and national symbol, is safe at home with his family, once and for all.