Palestinians mark Prisoners’ Day with hunger strikes, protests

Published on April 17, 2013

Thousands of Palestinians marked Prisoners' Day with protests and hunger strikes.

Report: Shalit could have avoided captivity

Published on March 29, 2013

Gilad Shalit’s capture was the result of operational failures on his part and on the part of other members of his tank crew, interviews with Shalit have revealed.

Shalit signs on to petition seeking Pollard’s freedom

Published on March 12, 2013

Freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit joined the call on President Obama to release spy-for-Israel Jonathan Pollard.

Riots break out in Jerusalem, West Bank over Palestinian prisoners

Published on February 22, 2013

Palestinian protesters reportedly fired flares and hurled stones at Israeli troops in the Old City in Jerusalem amid violent protests in the West Bank.

Palestinian hunger striker to be released next month, protests continue

Published on February 21, 2013

A Palestinian prisoner on a long-term hunger strike in an Israeli jail will be released in March.

Palestinian protesters for hunger strikers, Israeli soldiers clash again

Published on February 21, 2013

At least 1,000 Palestinians demonstrated near a West Bank prison -- the latest rally in support of inmates on long-term hunger strikes.

Pidyon Shvuyim fund to help imprisoned Jews

Published on February 21, 2013

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington established a legal defense fund for Jews being held wrongfully because of their Jewishness and will assist Alan Gross, who is in prison in Cuba.

Gilad Shalit visits immigrant soldiers

Published on January 17, 2013

Former captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit visited immigrant soldiers in Jerusalem.

Terror tunnel from Gaza to Israel discovered

Published on January 15, 2013

Israeli soldiers found the opening of a large tunnel in Israeli territory dug from the Gaza Strip that officials believe is intended for use in terror activity.

Israeli peace activist says Hamas’ Jabari received truce document—and Israel knew

Published on November 15, 2012

Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin said that hours before Israel assassinated Ahmed Jabari, the Hamas military leader received a draft of a permanent truce agreement with Israel.

Rocket attacks intensify, IDF reservists called up after Israel kills Hamas leader in Gaza

Published on November 14, 2012

The Israeli army began moving infantry units to the south and calling up reservists in preparation for a further escalation of hostilities with Hamas after an Israeli airstrike killed Hamas' military chief in the strip.

Islamist Hamas in Gaza gaining international legitimacy?

Published on October 29, 2012

Hamas vows to capture more Israeli soldiers

Published on October 19, 2012

On the one-year anniversary of Gilad Shalit’s release Oct. 18, Hamas’s leadership spoke openly about capturing more Israeli soldiers in order to use them as bargaining chips for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas releases Gilad Shalit film

Published on October 19, 2012

On the one-year anniversary of the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Hamas has released a film describing the Israeli soldier's abduction in 2006.

Gilad Shalit’s first full interview

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on October 18, 2012

Shalit reveals how he survived in first public interview since freedom

Published on October 12, 2012

One year after his release, Israeli Channel 10 News aired parts of an interview with former Hamas captive Gilad Shalit on Oct. 11, during which Shalit revealed details of how he survived his ordeal and spent his days in captivity.

October 12, 2012

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on October 12, 2012

Shalit gives first interview in Israel since release

Published on October 11, 2012

Gilad Shalit in his first interview in Israel since his release spoke of how he passed the time in captivity and his sense of great "relief" upon being set free.

This week from Israel

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on October 8, 2012

Year in review: Highlights of 5772

Published on September 12, 2012

An Egyptian mob breaks into the Israeli Embassy in Cairo and Israeli personnel are stuck inside for hours until Egyptian commandos arrive at the scene. Israeli Air Force jets evacuate the Israelis from the country. The attack exacerbates fears in Israel that it is losing a once-reliable ally to the south.

Gilad Shalit marks first birthday since being freed

Published on August 28, 2012

Gilad Shalit marked his first birthday since being freed from Hamas captivity.

Gilad Shalit visits New York's Mayor Bloomberg

Published on June 26, 2012

Gilad Shalit met New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at City Hall for a brief ceremony on the sixth anniversary of the day Shalit was captured by Hamas.

Gilad Shalit named Yediot Achronot sports columnist

Published on June 13, 2012

Former captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit has been named the sports columnist for the Israeli daily Yediot Achronot.

June 13, 2012

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on June 13, 2012

Abduct Israelis to free prisoners, Gaza leaders say

Published on April 27, 2012

Islamic leaders in the Gaza Strip called on Friday for militants to kidnap Israelis and use them as bargaining chips to secure the freedom of thousands of Palestinians prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Palestinian terrorists released in Shalit swap return to terror

Published on April 18, 2012

Israel's Shin Bet security service highlighted two Palestinian terrorists released in the swap for Gilad Shalit who have resumed terrorist activity.

Gilad Shalit released from the military

Published on April 18, 2012

Former captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit has been released from the Israel Defense Forces.

U.S.: Impediments to prosecuting Shalit prisoners remain

Published on March 20, 2012

A U.S. Department of Justice official reiterated that there are “significant impediments” to pursuing criminal charges against Palestinian terrorists freed in exchange for captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

The changing face of Israel’s war on terrorists

Published on March 12, 2012

If Israel has its way, this is how future conflicts with Gaza-based terrorists will unfold: Israeli aircraft launch surgical strikes on rocket launchers; terrorist leaders are assassinated as necessary; Israeli civilians along the southern frontier are protected by advanced technology that shoots enemy rockets out of the sky; and the world, preoccupied with other matters, is too distracted to object.

Shalit and parents meet with Sarkozy in Paris

Published on February 9, 2012

Former captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and his parents met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the presidential palace in Paris. “We are very happy to be here at the Elysee Palace,” said Noam Shalit, speaking to journalists Wednesday morning. “We are very touched.”

How Tel Aviv became big business in Hollywood

By Danielle Berrin
Published on February 8, 2012

In December 2009, Avi Nir, the chief executive of one of Israel’s largest broadcasting and production companies, invited the Hollywood agent Rick Rosen to spend a day at Keshet’s Tel Aviv office.

Shalit visits family of slain tank commander

Published on January 31, 2012

Former captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit visited the family of his tank commander, who was killed in the same incident in which Shalit was captured.

Noam Shalit says Knesset run won’t involve Gilad

Published on January 10, 2012

Noam Shalit said he would not involve his son, freed soldier Gilad Shalit, or the rest of his family in his run for the Knesset.

2011’s Top 10 Jews in the news (Like them, or not)

By JewishJournal.com
Published on December 26, 2011

Last year, we started our Top Jew of the Year list by featuring “Jews who embody the best in Jewish values.” For 2011, however, we had to readjust our thinking a bit. Below, a list of Jews in the News, with the best of the Tribe up top, and the rest…well, you’ll see.

Israel frees 550 Palestinians in Shalit swap

Published on December 19, 2011

Israel released 550 Palestinian prisoners Sunday in the second stage of a deal with Hamas that brought home soldier Gilad Shalit after five years of captivity in the Gaza Strip.

Shalit’s father denies hunger strike reports

Published on December 5, 2011

The father of Gilad Shalit denied reports that his son went on a hunger strike toward the end of his captivity.

Shalit recovering well, his grandfather says

Published on December 1, 2011

Gilad Shalit has recovered from the physical ordeal of his Gaza captivity, his grandfather said.

Jews throw stones at freed Palestinian’s home in Hebron

Published on November 21, 2011

Jewish Israelis who gathered in Hebron for a special Shabbat reportedly threw stones at the home of a Palestinian prisoner released in exchange for Gilad Shalit.

Community gathering: Kadima Day School, Idan Raichel, Gilad Shalit

Published on November 18, 2011

Community gathering

Opinion: How the media can help heal Gilad Shalit

Published on November 9, 2011

For five long years, a media campaign swirled around the abduction and internment of Gilad Shalit, gaining momentum with every passing day. Without a doubt, it was the media that helped keep his story alive and contributed significantly to his release, creating public pressure in favor of the historic (though unsettling) exchange of more than 1,000 convicted terrorists for Shalit’s freedom.

Shalit drew, kept journal in captivity

Published on November 7, 2011

Former captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit drew and kept a journal while being held by Hamas in Gaza.

PA to provide housing for released prisoners

Published on November 6, 2011

The Palestinian Authority will provide housing for the Palestinian prisoners released in the Shalit swap.

Gilad Shalit undergoes surgery to repair abduction injuries

Published on November 4, 2011

Gilad Shalit has undergone surgery to repair wounds from his 2006 abduction.

Shas lawmaker chides Shalit for his Shabbat at the beach

Published on November 3, 2011

A lawmaker from the haredi Orthodox Shas Party said Gilad Shalit should have spent his first Shabbat of freedom not at the beach but praying in synagogue.

Are Palestinians ‘partying’ in Israeli prisons?

Published on November 1, 2011

In the wake of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit’s release after being held captive in Gaza by Hamas for five years, Israelis are grappling with the question of what to do if another Israeli soldier or civilian is kidnapped. Currently, one of the most popular ideas being bandied about is to exert counter-pressure by making life harder for Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli prisons now.

Released prisoners belong on terror lists, Jewish Dems say

Published on November 1, 2011

Four top Jewish lawmakers called for the names of the Palestinian prisoners released as part of the Gilad Shalit deal to be entered into databases of terrorists.

Abbas says he will never recognize a Jewish state

Published on November 1, 2011

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said that he will never recognize a Jewish state during an interview on an Egyptian television channel.

Gilad Shalit and Israeli TV’s Searing ‘Prisoners of War’ [UPDATE/SLIDE SHOW]

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on October 31, 2011

Saudi prince offers $900,000 for Israeli soldier

Published on October 30, 2011

A member of Saudi Arabia's royal family has offered a $900,000 reward for the capture of an Israeli soldier.

Letters to the Editor: Gilad Shalit, United Nations, Gelson’s Ad

Published on October 26, 2011

Steven M. Goldberg’s article “The Shame in Surrendering to Evil” (Oct. 21) exhibits the consummate hypocrisy of the World Zionist Organization. I believe that their credo has always been to give 100 percent support for the actions of any Israeli government. They have reversed themselves even though the Israeli populace, intelligence and defense forces, and the Cabinet, were heavily in favor of the deal to release Gilad Shalit.

Shalit is facing obstacles on road to recovery

Published on October 25, 2011

Gilad Shalit’s release from more than five years of isolated captivity marked the end of a national trauma for Israel, but for the 25-year-old it's only the beginning of his road to recovery.

Shalits trying to adjust to new normal

Published on October 24, 2011

A week after Gilad Shalit returned to Israel after being held in captivity for more than five years in Gaza, things were getting back to normal at the Shalit family home -- sort of.

Opinion: Shalit deal only worsens the conflict

Published on October 24, 2011

No one should mistake the afterglow in Israel from the release of Gilad Shalit, or the rare sight of Israelis and Palestinians showing mutual flexibility and actually concluding an agreement, as hopeful signs for the prospects of peace. Just the opposite: Shalit’s release, in addition to being an undeniable security risk for Israelis, is giving the Right yet another boost, and making relations with the Palestinians even worse, as hard to imagine as that may be.

Peres visits Shalit at home

Published on October 24, 2011

Israeli President Shimon Peres visited Gilad Shalit at his home in northern Israel, the first Israeli official to visit since the soldier's return.

Livni slams Shalit prisoner exchange

Published on October 23, 2011

Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni criticized the prisoner swap that freed Gilad Shalit, saying it weakened Israel and strengthened Hamas.

Editorial cartoon: The weight of the swap

By Steve Greenberg
Published on October 19, 2011

Editorial cartoon

Celebrating Gilad: The most joyous Sukkot of our lives

By Rabbi Daniel Bouskila
Published on October 19, 2011

When my wife Peni and I decided to take our kids to Israel for Sukkot, we knew that we would have a great time. We knew that Sukkot, referred to in our prayers as “Zman Simchateinu” (“Our time to rejoice”) would especially be celebratory in Israel. But we never could have imagined what awaited us.

TV Military Drama ‘Homeland’ Taps Into America’s Psyche

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on October 19, 2011

Opinion: We salute you, Gilad!

Published on October 19, 2011

"He who wrought miracles for our fathers, and redeemed them from slavery unto freedom, may he speedily redeem us, and gather our exiles from the four corners of the earth, even all Israel united in fellowship; and let us say, Amen." 

"HaMakom y'rachem ethkhem b'tokh sh'ar aveilei Tzion v'Yrushalayim" 

"May G-d comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem" 





Would-be suicide bomber tells Gaza children to be like her

Published on October 19, 2011

A would-be Palestinian suicide bomber freed by Israel in the prisoner swap for soldier Gilad Shalit told cheering schoolchildren in the Gaza Strip the day after her release Wednesday she hoped they would follow her example.