Shalits reveal content of 2006 letter from Gilad
Israel had demanded first letter written by abducted soldier be handed over as condition for negotiations.
By Jack Khoury Tags: Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange Israel newsThe family of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit has allowed public access to a letter he wrote just months after being taken captive by Palestinian militants in 2006.
The letter was handed over to Israel by Egyptian mediators in October 2006, four months after Shalit was seized in a cross-border raid.
Israel had demanded the letter as a condition for beginning negotiations for a prisoner swap with the Palestinians.
The Shalit family has held on to the letter since its receipt, and only Tuesday were its contents permitted to be published.
The soldier's father, Noam, said following release of its content that it should not be viewed as a new or "dramatic" sign of his son's condition.
"This is not something new," said the elder Shalit. "It is a letter from three years ago. Since then, we have heard nothing from Gilad."
"Dear Mom and Dad, my brother and friends," reads the letter,
"I send you peace and health. My own health is dwindling from day to day, particularly my mental health, and this causes me much depression.
I am waiting for this intolerable nightmare of mine to end, to be released from this lonely and closed prison, especially since my 20th birthday has passed, one I had hoped we could celebrate together.
I ask of my government, particularly Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz, to do everything they can to see my release as quickly as possible, because every day that passes hurts me more - they should do everything the Mujahadeen has asked for.
I hope you do everything possible so we can celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot at home."
Shalit signed his letter:
"Gilad Shalit, prisoner of the Palestinian Mujahadeen."
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
He says in his first and last letter his health is dwindling and since then there have been no Red Cross visits and no letters. Sadly Shalit is dead he probably died not long after that letter was written probably a combination of possible injuries sustained when they took him and sickness because of his conditions.. Time the Shalit supporters to stop pretending he is alive and demanding the government make irresponsible deals with Hamas that will lead to the taking of more soldiers and release of killers. Their emotions play into the hands of Hamas and don't help Shalit himself alive or dead.
politicians are not capable of giving a solution. lets mothers make negotiations.
I find this sad that this is the last proof of Gilad Shalit being alive. I also find this hard to beleive that he wrote this letter. This letter was written by a Hamas member or someone close to them becuase I seriously doubt that someone under so much pressure and having bouts of depression would be able to write such a letter. Lets hope he comes home soon to celebrate the holidays.
One more thing, is Israel willing to let loose a horde of murderers for one soldier who may not even be alive in the first place. He said so himself, his health is deteriorating (3 years ago). Its not like Hamas are a bunch of liars, right???