Shalit Prepares for Simchat Torah at Home
A day after returning to his home in Mitzpe Hila after five years in Hamas captivity, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will mark the Simchat Torah holiday at home with his family on Wednesday night.
With the onset of the holiday, the number of onlookers on the streets of Mitzpe Hila lessened. However, a police checkpoint was still located at the entrance to Shalit’s street and people are still being prevented from approaching the Shalit home.
Many visitors brought flowers for the Shalit family. Toward evening, the last of the activists who campaigned for Shalit’s release left Mitzpe Hila.
“This is the end of one phase of my life and the beginning of another,” said activist Ella Hefetz, with tears in her eyes.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israel Defense Forces medical officers arrived at the Shalit home.
Shalit was also spotted on Wednesday taking a stroll outside home, accompanied by his mother Aviva and military mental health officials.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
