Dear Editors,

There were incorrect statements in an article recently published by La Voz regarding the release of Gilad Shalit. In response to the accusations, the Jews, Israelis and Friends club in De Anza has composed an informational response, in defense of the exchange of Gilad Shalit.

On Oct. 18, Gilad Shalit was returned to his homeland of Israel. The Israeli soldier was on Israel’s territory where Hamas militants kidnapped him after an attack on his tank that was on patrol in June 2006. Gilad was then taken to the Gaza Strip where he was held under harsh and cruel imprisonment for over five years. The young soldier who was kidnapped when he was only 20, was given no human rights and was not even allowed day light or communication with his family. Also, according to a CNN article, “Red Cross wants proof that abducted Israeli soldier is alive.” Hamas did not let the Red Cross even check up on him; no one even knew if he was alive.

The facts of the exchange prove Israel to be a country that strives for the security and peace of its citizens. Israel was able to negotiate an exchange through the aid of the Egyptians. After long negotiations, Israel has agreed to release over 1,000 prisoners that have committed crimes on the country and its citizens in order to return Shalit to his family in Israel. Many of the prisoners were serving life sentences due to terror attacks and murders of Israeli citizens. There were even such prisoners that have multiple life sentences. According to a report stated by YNet news, “Terrorist involved in attack on 405 bus to be released,” states that Abd al-Hadi Rafa Ghanim, who was given 16 life sentences for hijacking a bus full of Israelis along with two Canadians and one American, leading the bus off a steep precipice, killing 16 civilians along with wounding 27 more, will be released. According to a BBC news article, “Man jailed over Ramallah lynching,” another terrorist Israel has agreed to release among the many was Aziz Salha, who lynched two IDF soldiers to their death with his bare hands because they accidentally made a wrong turn into Ramallah. Israel has agreed to return its citizen, Gilad, for prisoners that not only committed crimes against the country but also those who are serving life sentences for the murder of Israelis.

Unlike the harsh and cruel imprisonment of Shalit, where Hamas acted against international laws, Israel allows all of its prisoners all of the humanitarian rights along with even more resources. Many of the Hamas militants that were serving time in Israeli prisons took advantage of rights, such as attaining an education all up to a degree, and every prisoner was allowed communication with the outside. Gilad was hidden in the dark, starved and was treated with no morals. According to an article published by Yahoo News, “Israeli military: Shalit suffering malnutrition,” when Gilad finally was back in Israel his physique suffered from malnutrition and weakness. He also had a lack of vitamin D, which was due to not being able to see the daylight. All of the prisoners who were exchanged out of Israel back to Hamas’ side were evaluated by Red Cross, where they determined that they were all in good health.

This exchange illustrated Israel as a country that does not leave its own people behind, a country that endures much security threats and yet is willing to negotiate such terms. Israel took a leap toward peace; however, it is sad to say that it can not be said for Hamas as well. Where they have resumed their missile launches on Israel only a couple of days after the exchange, already leading to injuries and deaths among the citizens of Israel. 

Shahar Marom, president of Jews, Israelis and Friends

Tal BenDavid, vice president

Or Barzilay, treasurer and supported by the members of the Club

and Michelle Fanwick, Inter Club Council representative