Who Is Gilad Shalit?

Gilad Shalit is an Israeli soldier who was kidnapped by Hamas militants on June 25th 2006. He was held in an unknown location in the Gaza strip for over 5 years, with nobody having any knowledge about his current state. The Hamas militants held him in captivation and isolation for 1941 days, until his release on October 18th 2011, as part of a prisoner exchange. This exchange being Gilad Shalit, for 1027 Arab prisoners, most of them terrorists. Now, of course, all the Israeli citizens wanted Gilad freed, but they obviously didn't want the person responsible for their child's death to be released back into the world to kill more people. Me, I think that yes, the deal is CRAZY, and completely unfair, but i still think Israel did the right thing when they agreed to the prisoner swap. You would think I'm crazy, but that is why i made this blog. I want to share my opinions about why I think the Shalit deal was worth it for Israel(I'm not saying it's good/fair), and would like to hear different opinions from different people.

Thursday 16 February 2012

What Gilad Missed

http://unitedwithisrael.org/what-gilad-shalit-has-missed/-beautiful video.
It really makes me think, Things happen everyday that give us reason for the next. We miss one day of school, or work, or anything, and everything has changed. We wait for the new iPod to come out, that new video game, or just wait to get more followers on Tumblr- and every day we accomplish something else. That excludes Gilad Shalit. For 5 years, he was in a room without even sunlight, where all he wanted from tomorrow, was to be released back home; to get his life back. Just think back, what did you do in the last 5 years? can you make a list? No, but imagine you could, now compare it to Gilad Shalit's list.

Remember waking up on that wonderful morning of July 21st 2007, bursting out the door to purchase your copy of Harry potter and the Deathly Hallows?Gilad Shalit did not get to read the final book of the Amazing Harry Potter series until 5 years after its release. Or that morning when you found out Osama was killed? Or got your iPhone in January 2007?Or when you got your Facebook account?  Gilad Shalit didn't get to do any of that. He also missed the Beatles when they performed in Israel, and when Obama became president. And so much more, but most of all, he did not get to live his life. For 5 years he had nothing to motivate him except for the day of his release, so next time you cry that you don't have the new iPhone 4s or whatnot, think about Gilad Shalit.

Wednesday 15 February 2012

5 More Attempts Of Prisoner Kidnapping Since Gilad's Release

http://www.mako.co.il/news-military/security/Article-6b0acae7aa16531018.htm?fb_ref=articleFooter&fb_source=profile_oneline- The article is in Hebrew, but what it basically says is that since Gilad Shalit was brought back to Israel, there have been 5 more attempted abductions of IDF soldiers. Here is an English version that somewhat says the same things- http://www.istrue.net/2012/02/09/more-than-5-attempts-to-abduct-israeli-soldiers/
I think this is a very bad sign. Hamas is clearly going through with their plan to abduct a new Gilad Shalit. I would be terrified to be in the army knowing their are people out there who would do anything to kidnap me. And what will happen if they succeed? Will Israel trade another thousand prisoners for the release of a new soldier? I sure hope not, but then chaos will erupt in Israel once more. Why is Gilad Shalit better than someone else who could have been kidnapped? He isn't, which is why Israel will not be able to just forget about it. I think this will cause too much trouble in Israel. Hamas wants their prisoners back, yes, but they have  been sentenced to jail. Most over 10 life sentences, I do not think it is fair to even expect these prisoners to come home. They made bad choices, and they have to face the consequences, they cant just get out of trouble by risking the life of someone else.

As the article says, soldiers are not allowed to hitch-hike, linger at bus stops or be out late at night. Israel is being vary cautious about their soldiers and making sure nothing happens to any of them. What do you guys think? Do you think Hamas will eventually succeed in capturing a "new Gilad Shalit"? Feel free to  leave a comment below.

Thursday 2 February 2012

Nonsense

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15347174
I recently read this article, and I must say I am feeling quite resentful about it. First of all, "Palestinians have mothers too" yes, I agree, of course they want to see their family.Yet they have no right to compare themselves to Gilad Shalit's mother. Their sons were put into prison for a reason, not just, because. Gilad Shalit was kidnapped, not arrested for murder. HUGE difference. I am seriously angry that they would even consider this, Gilad Shalit and Palestinian prisoners are nothing alike, I doubt Gilad killed innocent people for no reason. 

Second, "For Palestinians, they are freedom fighters who deserve a hero's welcome." Really? Killing and being imprisoned makes you a hero? No, I do not think so. And I do not think that my opinion is biased, I simply do not think that any culture should appreciate someone who murdered innocent people. I mean, of course, their family wanted them to come home, but being a killer should not make you a better person, it makes you a worse person. Yes, not all of them were killers, but they were all imprisoned for a reason, and have to pay the price. So, Palestinians should not be proud of a prisoner for being one. That's it.
What do you think? leave a comment below.

Sunday 29 January 2012

Forever Changed...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q_gF4dF_sM&feature=related-Wow...even if you don't understand what they are saying...just wow. You can clearly tell he is exhausted and does not want to be there. I wonder when the poor boy will ever get his old life back. Wait...never. I think this is sad, of course he wanted to come back, but i doubt he wanted to come back to all of this. He is famous for something i do not think people want to be famous for, and i think people made him feel too uncomfortable. Also, we can't forget that he will never be able to get his life back, for real. Imagine, 5 years in isolation, nobody, could ever, forget those moments. He will forever have thoughts and dreams about his experience in captivation, and that is a shame. What makes you want to kidnap a boy and ruin his life forever? What do you think about this? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Noam Shalit Running For Knesset


Gilad Shalit's father, Noam Shalit, announced on January 9th that he will be running for the Knesset. If you don't know, the Knesset is the unicameral legislature of Israel. He states- " Following years of a public struggle, during which I got to know Israeli society thoroughly - both its beautiful and ethical sides - I have decided to join public life," Some people think this a great idea  as he was a member of the Israel labour party since 1996. although others think he is taking advantage of the publicity he received from his son, Gilad Shalit.
Personally, I think that yes, he might be taking advantage a little bit, But I do think he might be a good candidate.I think that he can influence the Israeli society for the better, and maybe he will get more feedback and attention out of Israeli citizens. So, maybe he would make a good candidate. What do you think?

Monday 23 January 2012

Ron Arad

Heard of Ron Arad? Well, if you have not, Ron Arad was also an Israeli soldier, in the air forces actually. During a war his plane crashed and Arab militants captured him. He was then captured in an unknown location, just like Gilad Shalit,but instead of being released after 5 years, he was presumed dead after around 25 years. Why do you think there is such a big difference?what made Gilad Shalit so special?
 leave your thoughts in the comment section ;)
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