The American Jewish Committee commended the German Bundestag for passing the “Freedom for Gilad Shalit” resolution, calling for the immediate release of the 23-year-old Israeli soldier, held by Hamas in isolation in Gaza since he was kidnapped from Israel in June 2006. “The German parliament’s recognition of this grievous human rights violation demonstrates that international public opinion favors the immediate release of Shalit so he can return home to his family in Israel,” said Deidre Berger, director of AJC’s Berlin office. Shalit has been denied any contact with his family and with the International Red Cross during his captivity.The German parliament demanded that Hamas immediately allow the International Red Cross to visit Shalit, and called on the German government to work urgently to help secure his release.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)ByGIL STERN STERN SHEFLER