On June 25, 2006, Corporal Gilad Shalit (later promoted to Staff Sergeant) was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists within Israeli territory, near the Kerem Shalom crossing. The kidnapping was part of an unprovoked and well-planned attack which involved seven terrorists, armed with explosive charges, anti-tank missiles, light arms and more, and which made use of a tunnel under the Israel-Gaza border. During the course of the attack, an IDF soldier, Staff Sergeant Pavel Slutzker, and an officer, Lieutenant Hanan Barak, were killed, while five other were wounded.
June 25, 2009 marks three years of Staff Sergeant Shalit's captivity. Hamas continues to refuse Red Cross access to the kidnapped soldier.
Three Years: A project to raise global awareness of Gilad Shalit
Children from around the world have come together in order to bring attention to the third anniversary of the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped on Thursday, June 25, 2006 and has not been seen since. This project prominently features Shalit's own story When the Shark and the Fish First Met, about two sea animals (a shark and a fish) that were raised to hate and fear one another but then realized that everyone would be happier by making peace. This beautiful story of friendship between unlikely beings was written by Shalit at age 11, when he was in the fifth grade.
In order to emphasize the international support for Gilad Shalit, the Consulate enlisted the help of Israeli embassies in countries throughout Europe. A YouTube video shows people from around the world reading Shalit’s story in their native languages. The video features a single reading of the story in several languages, among them English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish, with English subtitles.
Listen to the story: Children reading for Gilad Shalit - When the Fish Met the Shark
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On the first anniversary of his abduction (25 June 2007), Hamas released a recorded message of Gilad Shalit's voice - the first sign of life since he was abducted. Shalit's father Noam indicated that the voice - if not the wording of the message - was that of Gilad.
Addressing the members of the diplomatic corps in Israel, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said: "Hamas is making cynical use of the suffering of Gilad Shalit, the pain of his family, the pain of the people of Israel, in order to dictate its own brutal agenda in the region, in order to undermine a political process which is taking place right now to create a better future for the region. Hamas is responsible for the life and health of Gilad Shalit, and we, the Israeli government, will take all steps to bring him back home."
This recording, while an important development, cannot be seen as a substitute for what Hamas must really do: namely, to allow the International Red Cross to immediately visit Gilad Shalit and to allow him to receive proper medical attention.
On December 16, 2008, the municipal council of Paris declared Gilad Shalit, who holds dual Israeli and French citizenship, an honorary citizen of Paris.
FM Livni to ambassadors of the European Union: "Such actions by the international community convey a special message of identity with the people of Israel and, no less important, a message to Hamas that its actions are not accpeted by the international community."
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FM Livni at press conference with UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-Moon (15 Jan 2009):
"The fact that Gilad Shalit has been in Hamas’ hands for so long is on the government’s agenda. Our commitment to bringing him home never diminishes, but only increases. Yet the things that have been said throughout this period still hold true. This discussion does not need to be conducted publicly. We are constantly reminding everyone, including the members of the international community, that Hamas is holding Gilad Shalit, and not providing any access to him. I also brought this up today in my discussion with the head of the Red Cross, who arrived in Israel for a visit. We expect, from the international community as well, that this subject not be laid aside. It must be addressed, and we heard the UN secretary-general address it today too, but it is most certainly, first of all, the Israeli government’s responsibility.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (20 Jan 2009):
"Before and during the IDF operation in Gaza, I undertook steps to bring about Gilad Shalit's return home as quickly as possible. I believe that there is a chance but the price will be very heavy. I will not rest until he is back home."
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (17 March 2009):
"Israel presented the other side with generous, far-reaching and unprecedented offers which were meant to lead to Gilad’s release. I approved these offers, the practical meaning of which was the release of many hundreds of terrorists, including murderers of Israeli citizens, for the possibility of returning Gilad. These offers were rejected. Others will not be delivered to the Hamas."
- Special Cabinet meeting on the release of Gilad Shalit 17-Mar-2009
Gilad Shalit (19 at the time of his abduction) was born on August 28, 1986. He is the son of Aviva and Noam Shalit and the brother of Yoel (25) and Hadas (18).
Gilad was born in Nahariya but was raised from the age of two in Mitzpe Hila in the western Galilee. He graduated with distinction from the science class of Manor Kabri High School. Gilad loves math and sports. He has enjoyed playing basketball ever since he was a child, but is interested in sports in general. He follows the different leagues and tournaments all over the world, from tennis and basketball to cycling and athletics. If you wish to know the results of a tournament somewhere in the world - it’s Gilad you should ask.
Gilad is a well-mannered, quiet and introverted young man. An almost permanent shy and hesitant smile light up his face. Gilad is always volunteering to help everyone.
Gilad began his military service about a year before his abduction - at the end of July 2005. Despite a low medical profile, he preferred to serve in a combat unit, followed his elder brother Yoel into the armored corps. After successfully ended his training, Gilad was guarding and ensuring the security of the settlements around Gaza when he was abducted by terrorists.
Since the attack at Kerem Shalom on Sunday, June 25, 2006, Gilad has been held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.