Gilad Shalit
Gilad Shalit was born in 1986 in Nahariya, a city in northern Israel. When he was 2 years old, his parents, Noam and Aviva Shalit, moved to the nearby village of Mitzpe Hila, where he grew into a young man neighbors and friends describe as well-mannered, shy, and very close to his family. After graduating from his local high school with honors, Gilad was drafted into the Israeli Defense Forces in July, 2005. Although pre-army medical tests showed that he had a less-than-robust physical constitution (and he therefore was eligible for a low-risk assignment), he nonetheless chose to serve in a combat unit, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Yoel.
Gilad's kidnapping
Gilad Shalit served in an IDF Armored Corps unit that was posted to a base in southern Israel close to the Gaza Border. In the early dawn on June 25th, 2006, eight heavily armed Palestinian terrorists used an underground tunnel to cross into Israel from Gaza. In an explosion of gunfire and rockets, the terrorists ambushed several areas on Gilad’s base. One of the rockets hit the rear of a tank carrying four soldiers, one of whom was Gilad Shalit. Two soldiers were killed, and two, including Gilad, were wounded. With the ongoing attack as cover, the terrorists—members of Hamas--snatched Gilad from the tank and carried him back across the border. Most commentators believe that the raid’s goal was to kidnap a soldier.
Three years later, Gilad is still being held captive. In a gross violation of international law and all standards of human decency, his captors have refused to allow the Red Cross to visit him, have not let him contact his family, and have not provided reliable information on his physical condition. Hamas has made clear that he is a bargaining chip: For his release, they demand that Israel free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, including convicted terrorists and murderers.
Gilad and his family need you
Like all Israelis, Gilad served in the IDF to fight terror and protect his country from the vicious and amoral thugs who now hold him. In captivity for more than 1,000 days and nights, the only signs of life his family has received are a voice recording sent a year after his capture and a short note a year later; there is no way of knowing when they were made (though time frames are mentioned, there is no way of being sure that he wasn’t forced to write or say a date in the future). In a bold violation of international law unremarked upon by most world leaders, Hamas has not allowed any international aid organization or other emissaries to visit Gilad and confirm that he is alive and check his medical condition.
Gilad Shalit is not just a soldier. He is a son, a beloved brother to his sister and brother, a friend to many, a citizen of the State of Israel, and a member of the Jewish people. In sharp contrast to the terrorists who hold him captive, the soldier Gilad fought to protect life and defend Jewish sovereignty. Gilad deserves to return to his family and to his home in Israel.
Please pray for Gilad and his loved ones, and make sure the world knows about him—and cannot forget him—until he comes home.
How you can help
- Please pray:
- For Gilad Shalit’s physical and emotional safety, and for him to have the strength and courage to endure his captivity.
- For God to surround Gilad with His Protective Presence so that he knows that he is not alone, nor forgotten.
- For Gilad’s speedy and safe return to Israel and his family.
- For the continued strength, faith, and determination of Gilad’s family.
- For Israeli leaders and leaders around the world to receive Divine Guidance to have clarity, purpose, and fortitude as they work to free Gilad.
- Write a message of support to the Shalit family to let them know you are praying for their son and sharing his story with the world. Send your message to the Shalit family »
- Please keep a prayer card with you as a reminder to pray for Gilad and to tell his story to others. Download and print your Gilad Shalit prayer card »
