Today, after more than five years of being held hostage by Hamas terrorists, captured soldier Gilad Shalit has finally been released.

This poignant day is one for which our Federation and Jewish Community Relations Council have long joined in passionate, untiring advocacy with Jewish communities worldwide. We also recognize that the utmost importance of Gilad's return led Israel's leaders to make supremely difficult choices in exchanging terrorist prisoners for his release.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lost his brother at Entebbe, wrote yesterday in a letter to family members of those hurt in terror attacks, “I know that you have a heavy heart and that your wounds have been opened anew these past days; that your thoughts are not at ease. Acknowledging that “the price is very heavy” for them, he also wrote that he was “faced with the responsibility of the Prime Minister of Israel to bring home every soldier who is sent to protect our citizens." 

We celebrate Gilad's return to his family and his people, as our heartfelt thoughts and deepest empathy go out to those Israelis directly impacted by terror. We recommit ourselves to supporting them as well as Israel's security. As always, our Jewish community is proud to stand with Israel in times of need as well as in times of celebration.

Click here to welcome Gilad back to his family and his people by leaving your well wishes

B'Shalom,

Ellen R. Sarnoff
Chair of the Board, Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County 

 
Rabbi David Steinhardt
Chair, Jewish Community Relations Council