A sea of blue for Gilad

THE Jewish community has turned blue this week to show its solidarity with Gilad Shalit and his family. On the fourth anniversary of the Israeli soldier’s kidnapping by Hamas militants, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) jointly issued a letter to Foreign Minister Stephen Smith stating that Gilad’s treatment is in “clear violation of international law” and requesting that the Government take steps to demand his freedom.

“In the context of the easing of the Gaza blockade by Israel in the last 24 hours, we believe it is now time for the respected middle powers like Australia, to focus international attention on the dire plight of Gilad Shalit and his family who have been deprived of all contact with one another for four years. We respectfully request the Government to join Israel in demanding that Shalit’s captors release him from captivity into the arms of his family without further delay.”

Also in Government this week, Federal Member for the Victorian seat of Isaacs Mark Dreyfus addressed the House of Representatives “with great sadness on the anniversary of the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit”.
“Hamas continues to hold Gilad Shalit as a bargaining chip, seeking to secure the release of hundreds of terrorists being held in Israeli prisons. It is important that leaders around the world continue to demand the release of Gilad Shalit,” he said.

“Criticism of Israel, ostensibly based on concern for the welfare and rights of residents of Gaza, would be more credible if criticism were also directed towards the current rulers of Gaza, Hamas, and its behaviour, which is exemplified in the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit.”

He concluded by saying, “Hamas must renounce violence, must renounce attacks on civilians and must renounce its commitment to the destruction of the State of Israel. It must cease violating international law and immediately release Gilad Shalit.”

Member for Melbourne Ports Michael Danby also raised Gilad’s plight in the course of his speech to Parliament on Iran, as did Liberal minister Christopher Pine during the adjournment debate on Wednesday.

In addition to launching a new logo stating “Gilad still lives”, the various state Zionist councils and the ZFA also created a Facebook page to raise awareness of their campaign for Gilad’s release.
Several Jewish schools, shops and synagogues are displaying blue ribbons and balloons as a sign of solidarity.

Many Australian congregations will be marking Shabbat Shalit this weekend with a special Hebrew prayer for Gilad’s safe return, with a number of rabbis also referencing him in their sermons.

The Australasian Union of Jewish Students has launched a balloon campaign in Victoria. Representatives will distribute blue balloons and postcards about Gilad from outside Glick’s stores in St Kilda East, Malvern and Elsternwick, encouraging people to hang the balloons on their front fences to show support for the kidnapped soldier. Similar activities are planned for New South Wales.

Zionist youth movement Netzer is hosting a Shabbat service and dinner on Friday night in both Sydney and Melbourne with a focus on freedom. Attendees, including members of other youth movements, will wear blue ribbons and discuss Gilad’s life, capture and family.

The Zionist Council of Victoria this week stepped up its blue ribbon campaign, initiated upon Gilad’s capture in 2006, by releasing hundreds of blue balloons from the Beth Weizmann Community Centre. More than 15 organisations from the Victorian Jewish community were involved in the initiative, wearing blue ribbons and holding up signs with Gilad’s picture.

DALIA SABLE