Tension mixed with optimism fill Shalit home after viewing tape

Apprehension mixed with excitement was the prevailing mood at the Shalit home in Mitzpeh Hila.

Around 1:30 Friday afternoon a sober-looking Gen. Avi Zamir, head of the army's human resources department, entered the home bearing the first video footage released in the more than three years since Gilad's abduction.

Inside the home were a handful of family members, including the captive soldier's parents, grandparents and brother. Other family members and friends waited outside.

Exactly what happened during those few tense minutes inside the home is still private and unknown to but a few family members, but those present at the time spoke of an outpouring of emotion.

"This is a mother who hasn't seen her son in more than three years," an individual close to the family told Haaretz.

He said the soldier's parents "tried to examine the images from every possible angle - from Gilad's eyes and expressions, even the smallest detail from which something could be learned about his physical and emotional state."

"Whoever viewed the tape saw that Gilad was very thin, his skin white from lack of sun, his eyes sunken and fearful. All of this testifies to the hardship he finds himself in. His parents know how he used to look and how he looks now," he said.

Family members said they were pleased to have finally received a sign of life, but beyond that, none expressed great happiness or optimism.

Gilad's father, Noam Shalit, said, "The video does not signify the end of negotiations. We are concerned." He noted that his son doesn't look like someone on a picnic or having a rest.

"Our fear is that this will become dragged out, maybe for a number of years. Even now, we are still not close to an agreement," Noam Shalit said.

Shalit's mother, Aviva, asked not to speak with the media, but told relatives she hoped the tape would mark the beginning of the end of her son's captivity.

As in the days following Shalit's kidnapping, friends and family poured into the family home in this Upper Galilee community, accompanied by dozens of journalists and photographers documenting the family's every move.

Among the first to watch the footage after the family was Shimshon Liebman, the leader of an activist group campaigning for the kidnapped soldier's release.

"Like any father, I stood there and grew teary-eyed, but Gilad looks healthy," said Liebman. "There is no doubt this is an achievement for those working in this endeavor, but it also signifies that we need to work for Gilad's immediate release," he said.

After viewing the footage, family members met with activists for a short consultation, and then it was announced the tape would be broadcast to the public.

Activists and the family will meet soon about the next steps in the public campaign for Shalit's release.