Los Angeles based Israeli Gal Sitty recently launched a campaign to fund and erect a billboard near the Manhattan headquarters of the United Nations, imploring leaders to take steps to free captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, ahead of July’s 5-year anniversary of his capture.
Gal writes:
The Shalit family has been living a nightmare for nearly five years now. On June 25th, 2006, their son, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, was captured by the terrorist organization Hamas. For the almost five years, the 24-year-old has been held captive illegally, in isolation, in unknown conditions. Hamas has forbidden him contact with the outside world, communication with his family, and basic humanitarian access from the Red Cross. These are clear violations of International Law, the Geneva Conventions and common human decency.
For too many years now, the world has allowed the terrorist organization to get away with this unspeakable crime. As we approach the five year anniversary of his capture, the Palestinians are seeking approval from the United Nations to establish a state of their own. It is time for us to remind the world that no state should be established upon such crimes. We must exert pressure on the international community for Gilad’s immediate release. Any further legitimization of the Palestinian push for statehood will only serve to allow the continuation of Shalit’s unlawful detainment and encourage other such terrorist acts.
Let’s put this billboard up to remind the U.N. that they cannot continue to ignore these terrorist actions, bypass the peace process, and legitimize Hamas. The more money we raise, the better our chances of getting a billboard right next to the U.N. If we get this funded quickly, it will be up in time for the 5th anniversary (6/25/11) of his capture. Let this billboard show the Shalit family that we care, we will not forget and we will stand beside them until Gilad is free.
We must do this for Gilad, for his family, and for all the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces who continue to face such unwarranted, unjust and inhumane threats.
Currently, less than half of the needed $10,000 has been raised.
Please go here and donate to this worthy cause.
