Weekly Question: As Gilad Shalit approaches five years in Hamas captivity, how far should Israel go to bring him home?
Please leave a comment below to let us know what you think.
June 20, 2011
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President Obama has once again invoked US national security interests to prevent the US embassy moving to Jerusalem. Is this the correct decision?
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Zeal for Zion
6:31 pm
Jun 21, 2011
I believe Gilad, as a soldier of Israel, would have wanted us – long ago – to do whatever it takes in order to stop the Hamas regime as he knows exactly what they are – perhaps better than anyone else! But, “whatever it takes” DOES NOT include the exchange of killers for a defender of life! There must NEVER be an exchange of terrorists for an innocent life…which only paves the way for more innocents to die BECAUSE of it!! Perhaps Israel is already doing all they can (and covertly in order to avoid all the craziness of the media and skepticism of the unsupportive people in the country). I pray it is so. And I wish that every Israeli – or anyone in the world with a yearning for the Land – would do everything they can, even be willing to fight and die in order to uphold our rights as a Jewish State, the land for God’s Chosen people, and take a stand against outright evil that only wants to see us (and anything pure and innocent) destroyed! AM YISRAEL CHAI!!!
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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Anonymous
5:40 pm
Jun 25, 2011
I believe that there should be a world-wide day of prayer, for Guilad Shalit. I also think that this should lead to monthly “time set aside” for Jewish communities to Pray for and Remember Guilad. This is for the nurturance of Guilad’s Spirit, and determination to withstand the torture he is being subject to, until he is let go.
Prayer is non-denominational; Ultra-Orthodox, Reform, Secular Jews etc. would greatly enhance Guilad’s ability to survive.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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Anonymous
5:11 am
Jun 29, 2011
Actually, everyone should wish to Fight and LIVE, and this means, proactive Unity of Jewish communities, and since Media spin, Revisionist types, Anti-Semites, Cowards, Appeasers, and terribly misguided individuals terrified of ‘hurting’ feelings, and bringing the wrath of leaders currently MURDERING their own people, why not simply do what needs to be done, in Unity, Peace, Protest, and using what tactical leverages are currently available. It is also necessary for our HumanFamily to understand that murder at large, and individually is simply unacceptable for Our species. It would be as I suppose “tough love,” lesson, would free Guilad, and probably encourage the proper treatment of Citizens in dictatorships, where citizens are now being murdered by their “leadership.”
In my opinion, everything is connected. it is not, I do not think, by coincidence that Israel is place in this situation.There are probably very deep lessons to be learned by everyone – to stand up for Spiritual Torah Values (Unity of the Jewish Peoples, Righteous Peoples unity), and by showing wayward members of our world that there needs to be a rethinking of values and basic expectations in regards to Human Rights, and Human Life.
I think that for way too long, historical lessons have been set aside in view of personal glory – the glory should be that of the prevalence and Importance of True Justice, and True non-negotiable commitment to LIFE, to HUMAN existance, and to Human co-existence. Since everyone is “quoting” religious history, values, concepts etc.. how about re-emphasizing for all that this world was created by the same “Force/G-d,” that created ALL Human Beings, and that it is not up to any individual, or “Holy (fill in the blank)” to decide that some humans are easily disposed of, inferior, unworthy ect…this is such a blatant primitive mindset that it boggles the mind that anyone should take these ideas with any degree of relevance and or give them credence. Thus, it is incumbant upon all who know better to assume their responsibilities, and while not disregarding consequences – get some courage to stand up for what they believe in!!!
Agree or Disagree:
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Steve Mann
2:24 pm
Jun 22, 2011
I read this thread with a heavy heart-
I can not recall a return of an Israeli soldier, once captured post the 1948/50 war.
They will not even allow the Red Cross to see Shalit-
What kind of animals are these people- Even the Nazi butchers allowed the Red Cross to visit captured soldiers.
The free world detested the Nazi regime so why is their “Deafness” so loud with regard to Hamas on this soldier.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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Anonymous
6:43 pm
Jun 26, 2011
“Hams’, Hizbullah,” and other violent groups and their existence should not surprise anyone. Everyone seems to forget that the Mufti of Jerusalem, during the second world war, was a Nazi, and these latter had an Arab Brigade. What is derisively ironic, in a perverted way, is that eventually, the Nazis would have gotten around to “ethnically cleansing” the Arab populations, should they have been given the opportunity. Human Cannibals, never stop, they are willing to murder everyone and anyone, for even a slight “deviation” from “conformity” to an idealized version of human beings, starting with a few individuals, eventually, all peoples are impacted and judged – people forget in the grip of their own violent hatreds.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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Anonymous
8:42 pm
Jun 28, 2011
Perhaps, there could be a WORLD-WIDE held simultaneous protest, in every major global city. Perhaps, protest songs could be written, bands volounteer/asked to participate, and media coverage would be forced to “comment,” this anti-human treatment of a Human Being. it could include both Jews and non-Jews, and its sole focus would be to liberate a person held for 5 years, incommunicado, by a group of thugs. Never mind the stated “cause,” the fact remains, there is no point to this forceable confinement as Israel will not negotiate with murderrous and terrorists. This would be apolitical a theme, and utterly HUMAN RIGHTS in focus. Perhpas Amnesty International, would oblige and join the protest, since they are so “pro human?”
Agree or Disagree:
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Anonymous
8:45 pm
Jun 28, 2011
Perhaps, there could be a WORLD-WIDE held simultaneous protest, in every major global city. Perhaps, protest songs could be written, bands volounteer/asked to participate, and media coverage would be forced to “comment,” this anti-human treatment of a Human Being. Including both Jews, non-Jews – all peoples concerned with Human Life; its sole focus would be to liberate a person held for 5 years, incommunicado, by a group of thugs. Never mind the stated “cause,” the fact remains, there is no point to this forceable confinement as Israel will not negotiate with murderer and terrorists. This day of protest would have an apolitical theme, utterly HUMAN RIGHTS focused. Perhpas Amnesty International, would oblige and join the protest, since they are so “pro human?”
Agree or Disagree:
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Moshe
5:45 pm
Jun 22, 2011
Israel should go as far as REASONABLY possible. The problem is that the demands of Gilead Shalit’s barbarian captors are absolutely UNREASONABLE.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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Ephraim
2:09 am
Jun 23, 2011
German negotiators recently reported that HAMAS refused to accept the latest proposal from Israel, described as a “good deal.” Inasmuch as the quality of Israel’s relationship with Ban Ki Moon and the U.N. remains open to question, wouldn’t it make sense to cite the opinions of the negotiators, to demonstrate that, again, it is the Palestinian side that remains opposed to resolving the standoff? In a sane world, this matter would weigh heavily vis-a-vis any direct efforts by Abu Mazen for U.N. recogntion of a Palestinian state.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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anne dodi miller-sloman
12:28 am
Jun 26, 2011
From Anne Dodi Miller
I remember Enteb!
Israel rescued a plane load of hostages.
Unless the Government knows that it is too late.
What are they waiting for?.
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Mickey Oberman
6:15 am
Jun 26, 2011
The Israeli’s knew exactly where the hostages were being held at Entebbe.
They do not know the exact whereabouts of Gilad Shalit.
Do you have any constructive suggestions?
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Anonymous
6:45 pm
Jun 26, 2011
My guess is that the IDF does know where Guilad is being held, and that in itself may be the problem.
Agree or Disagree:
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Mickey Oberman
7:23 pm
Jun 26, 2011
The lives of Israeli soldiers cannot be used to verify wild guesses.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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Anonymous
11:42 pm
Jun 28, 2011
: A global Day of Protest – Human Rights focused, join all peoples against the holding captive of person for five years.
Agree or Disagree:
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Barbara Dagen
2:14 pm
Jun 26, 2011
As far as it needs to go to get him back without any outrageous exchange of murderers.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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anonymous
4:19 pm
Jun 27, 2011
the arab population elected the hamas regime , at least according to the news. they are also responsible for gilad’s illegal captivity- not only the hamas alone but those who elected them. israel should surround gaza and give the them 3 hours to bring back gilad alive and well, other wise all electricity, telphones and water should be cut off. Israel has to be ready to stand up for their principals. the pressure on the hamas would be so great that they would have to comply. we shouldnt release even one prisoner
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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gerald rudick
5:07 pm
Jun 27, 2011
The Palestinians are desperate to have their own country. What better gesture to show the world of their good intentions to rule themselves in a democratic way than to free Gilad Shalit immediately?
With such a gesture, without a doubt, the Israeli government would open the prison doors and release all but the most brutal of murderers from their jails.
It is time to start the peace process…..let us start to see the goodness in each other, and get out of the dark ages and benefit from the world we live in today.
Agree or Disagree:
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David Brien
8:25 am
Jun 28, 2011
Shalom! Use any and ALL means to FREE!! Gilad, NOW!!!……..five years, what the hell is going on?? remember Entebbe????????????? D.B. Vancouver
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Abbie
1:54 pm
Jun 28, 2011
I don’t believe that Gilad should be traded with murderers who will get out and murder again. I really don’t think Gilad would want murdered Israelis on his head. The pressure should be mounted against Gaza. All prostestors should be at the Gaza border preventing all trucks and shipments until Gilad is freed.
As for the Hamas prisoners, don’t let them have visitors, packages, and definitely not get free university education. Let their prisoners rot in their cells with no televisions and no extracurricular activities. Time for Israel to stop being the nice guy, since the result is always more terror and any exchange will lead to more kidnappings.
Time for Israel to stop talking with terror groups and make the Hamas followers pressure them to let Gilad out.
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unsospiro
4:24 am
Jun 29, 2011
If it were possible to attack and recapture Galid, the way the IDF went into Uganda, I’d say “go for it!” If he was in a compound that required bombing, I’d say go for it, too.
I am not militant, but some things must be defended and acted upon, and if these things require unusual action, military action, then so be it.
I’d also recommend Israel capturing one of their people and setting up a trade; I would never have freed any of the Palestinian terrorists until Galid was returned.
Five years out of this young man’s life is more than enough…it’s sinful to keep him there IF there’s a way of getting him out (with a modicum of safety for the rescuers, of course).
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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unsospiro
4:26 am
Jun 29, 2011
I don’t trust President Obama. We sent our precious grandson to Israel for three weeks (a wonderful camp experience: a 12 on a scale of one to ten, he said), so the embassy belongs in Jerusalem too. His reply was not a matter of security, but a matter of complying with the animosity of Abbas. For that reason, specifically, I’d want the embassy in Jerusalem!
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Anonymous
4:49 am
Jun 29, 2011
Steep Pressure should be brought to bear upon Western Countries (PROTESTS!!!), Lots of Music and Noise – “…do not go silently inton the night…,” I think it was a great British Poet who came up with that line – tis Very appropriate. In my view, every idea should be considered, minus “conditional, exchange etc..) It is a proven fact that “genteel” diplomacy is useless, and enables hate-mongers and anti-semites to whine and complain about the ‘unjustness’ of playing hardball with what amounts to non-human behaviour. Regardless of personal opinion, this ceased being a “political” issue, five years ago. In my considered opinion, fearless protesting will draw and attack sincere, and hesitating righteous people who also are fearful.
In my view, options which depend on personal courage and moral unwillingness to free individuals who have Murdered other human beings should be considered. I still believe that being “quiet” about the inhumanity, cowardice, fear, and unwillingness to bring “negative” attention to oneself, is necessary – Unity of Righteous peoples should be sought, and those values of Decency, Care, and Unwillingness to look the other way, be fomented and encourage.
Agree or Disagree:
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Anonymous
4:52 am
Jun 29, 2011
Steep Pressure should be brought to bear upon Western Countries (PROTESTS!!!), Lots of Music and Noise – “…do not go silently inton the night…,” I think it was a great British Poet who came up with that line – tis Very appropriate. In my view, every idea should be considered, minus “conditional, exchange etc..) It is a proven fact that “genteel” diplomacy is useless, and enables hate-mongers and anti-semites to whine and complain about the ‘unjustness’ of playing hardball with what amounts to non-human behaviour. Regardless of personal opinion, this ceased being a “political” issue, five years ago. In my considered opinion, fearless protesting will draw and attract sincere, and hesitating righteous people who also are fearful – the boomerang effect of seeing people stand up for once, is good for society at large, and those who also suffer silently.
In my view, options which depend on personal courage and moral unwillingness to free individuals who have Murdered other human beings should be considered. I still believe that being “quiet” about the inhumanity, cowardice, fear, and unwillingness to bring “negative” attention to oneself, is necessary – Unity of Righteous peoples should be sought, and those values of Decency, Care, and Unwillingness to look the other way, be fomented and encourage.
Agree or Disagree:
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Gaile
9:45 am
Jun 29, 2011
Gilad is being used as a political pawn, because his captors want the Israelis to know they have some power over them. Swapping him for a lot of prisoners is just what they want. Galid has been in their hands long enough and maybe Amnesty International should pick up and run with it. Also Israel has power just tell them straigh, they will turn off anything that helps them to live and survive. It may be hard on the familys mums and kids, but hey anything is worth a try. Also another Idea is Pray, that is what the nation of Israel was created for in the first place to be the people of G-d, David was a shepherd boy with no rank but he was favoured by G-d and he learnt a lot while in prison. Then when he came out he was raised up into one of the highest places of the Egyptians Pharos rule. We can only hope that something positive will come from this, so Pray for Galid so he can stand and gain strength and be encouraged from his oppressors. Nelson Mandela is a good example of what happened to David, who eventually was King of Israel, and Mandela became president of his country, i only hope that Galid does not have to wait that long.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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Niklas Schier
8:41 am
Jul 18, 2011
Israel should d all it can to bring him home a good start would be to completely ignore the UN,The USa and the so-called international community and to take them to task on their betrayal of Israel on all matters.
The Time for talk is over Obama and Cameron are in the proccess of stabbing Israel in the back as they are with their own people people in order to avoid insulting ‘islamic sensibilitties’ Israel must toughen up now.
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joan
2:54 pm
Aug 04, 2011
Israel and America should do all we can to get Gilad back home and our American soldier Bo back home. I pray for them both everday.
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gerald rudick
5:52 pm
Aug 04, 2011
People ask why is it that more Jews did not try to escape from the concentration camps in WW2….from reading and watching movies, we learned of group punishment…if one person escaped, they would kill and/or punish many prisoners, just to show the remaining prisoners what would happen to those who remained in custody should anyone try to run.
Israelis are not Nazis…..but at this point the people of Gaza should be held accountable. There are enough people involved in the capture and holding of Gilad Shalit to come forward and give information if as suggested above the electricity and other non life threatening services are cut off. Allow food to be brought in so that people may survive, but not much more.
The world needs to know the fate of Gilad, if he is still alive, and what condition is he in…..and until this information is given with absolute proof, then let the entire population of Gaza be held accountable…perhaps that will cause those involved to be exposed and come up with answers.
We see that the UN and Red Cross are no longer relaible agencies to the free world.
Well-loved. Agree or Disagree:
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sav'ta shel Cohen
1:04 pm
Aug 11, 2011
Israel knows what it must do but this is not just an Israeli issue. This is an outrageous situation but even more outrageous is the fact that the world community stays silent and does nothing. I believe Israel knows exactly where he is, what is happening to him and under what security measures he is being held. The captivity of this young man is a human tragedy and, as such, other nations and multi-national corporations who have influence with Hamas should be putting pressure on them to give him back to his family. His situation is not the same as that of criminals in Israeli prisons because their families know where they are, they can visit them or at least aid workers can visit them and report on their condition. They can get legal representation and will have their day in court. Gilad’s treatment is plain and simple torture. He has been kidnapped and had all his human rights denied him by a band of cowardly thugs.
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David Hagadol
4:53 pm
Aug 14, 2011
Israel should give the PA an ultimatum: each hour that passes without Gilad being released, ALIVE AND WELL, 100 arab prisoners will be executed, LIVE ON TV! And if Gilad is harmed in any way, Israel should bomb Gaza back to the stone age, execute ALL arabs there and annex the land!
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