Today Is Gilad Shalit's 25th Birthday

The Israeli soldier, captured five years ago and held hostage by Palestinian terror groups in the Gaza Strip, has now been in captivity for 1/5 of his life.

Gilad Shalit

Link.

[Hat Tip: Ruthie.]

Comments

[lion]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALWAYS IN OUR MINDS AND HEARTS

HOW ABOUT A TRADE

ROTTENBERG AND TWESRKI AND MANDEL AND SHAFRAN AND PERLOW FOR GILAD

[Adam Neira]

Prayers and happy birthday to Gilad Shalit.

I was discussing this aspect of time with a learned Rabbi on Saturday. The question of a captive or a Robinson Crusoe figure lost on a desert island who may not know when it is shabbat or when the holidays are and what they could do. The discussion about time is interesting. Gilad has been in captivity for 1891 days. It is now Mon. August 29th in the Christian Gregorian Calender and 29 Av 5771 in the Hebrew calender. Gilad will probably have no real idea of what day it is unless he has been given a newspaper or diary. People need to ask themselves "Where are we on the divine timeline ?" Looking back from 2050 what are the moves that need to be made to secure Gilad's release ? What is possible ?" Even though he may have lost his bearings he should derive some comfort from knowing that G-d is looking out for him. G-d's omniscience is beyond time.

When all seems lost we must work out how hope can be fulfilled. It is all about trust. If Israel trusts that the released prisoners will not harm the state and if the Palestinians trust that they have a real chance at a better future and feel part of the management structure then things will progress in the region. It is all about inclusiveness. It is amazing what can be achieved if a noble mission is offered to people.

[Jew Boy]

Lion, why you limiting your list? Lets sic Hamas on all the ultra-Orthodox! Enough of these blood-0sucking parasites. Kill them all!

[lion]

i would add the aguda and moetzes as a throw in but we need some crackpot leaders to make fun of

the regular crowd just need real leadership to grow

[Pearl of Wisdom]

So sorry for this young man and his family. He has missed out on many things. I hope he is healthy and returned to his loved ones soon. Why is this happening?

[ruthie]

gilad shalit

[Adam Neira]

To Pearl of Wisdom,

You ask "Why is this happening ?"

Gilad Shalit was born in the State of Israel. The State has a policy of compulsory national service for its young men and women. Gilad whilst serving was kidnapped on the border of Gaza. His captors have a few issues with the State of Israel. This is a purely mechanical description of what unfolded.

Now the interesting twist here, and I am being deadly serious, is that if the State of Israel thinks that he is expendable then G-d will also make sure that the State of Israel is expendable. His fate is a microcosm. BTW, Hamas has been told that if any harm befalls Gilad, Gaza will be the worst place on Earth to be alive in. Gilad is a divine test for all the sides.

Every concerned person must hold it in their minds that he can be released safely in the future.

Prayers once again for Gilad.

[Q]

But of course, he is not considered to be a case of Pidyon Sh'vuyim.... Only Rubashkin, Mondrowitz, and other criminals