When I came back to the States I couldn’t get those images out of my mind—both of Dafna that day in front of the prime minister’s home and of Gilad Shalit. His story, harrowing and highly contentious, is one that had me asking my friends about back home. I asked a colleague, who spent much of his childhood in the Middle East, and he didn’t know the story. I sought out some of my worldliest friends—two of whom are in the U.S. military, are astute, and knowledgeable about politics and world affairs. They both weren’t familiar with Gilad’s story. These accounts, in my limited scope of perspective, were enough to give me the impetus to write about his story.
Gilad, who just turned 24 in August, has been stripped of all his personal freedoms since 2006 when he was abducted by Hamas, a terrorist organization that fuses Islamic fundamentalism with Palestinian nationalism. Gilad, a young Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier, was captured by militants during a cross-border raid. Since his abduction, the people of Israel have been fighting an arduous battle for his release, but it’s highly divisive. Gilad has become a figure of beleaguered political talks in Israel. During negotiations, Hamas has offered to release Gilad swapping his freedom for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel. Back in July, it seemed that Netanyahu was willing to consider this exchange to free Gilad. “Israel is willing to pay a heavy price for the release of Gilad, but not at any price,” Netanyahu said in a statement. In the meantime, Gilad’s family feels frustrated, desperate, and heartsick, and sees Netanyahu’s response as an empty promise. Over the summer, his family organized a 12-day march from their home in Galilee to Jerusalem in front of Netanyahu’s residence. They have been parked outside there for 16 weeks now and they are remaining steadfast in their goal to bring their son home. They don’t plan to leave until he is free.
Just this week an old photo was given to Gilad’s family. His father, Noam Gilad, accepted the gift, but had this to say in a YNet news article, “We aren't in the business of collecting souvenirs, we want Gilad home. Anything that reminds us of him is important, but that's not the main thing.”
To some, the cost to bring Gilad home is indisputable, but to others the dilemma represents a self-sacrifice that may be necessary for the collective society. I remembered the conviction in Dafna’s voice as she told us Gilad’s story and I reached out to her recently to talk to her about this moral dilemma. “The thing that is still controversial is the price—are we willing to give 1,000 prisoners, including ones that were directly responsible for so many suicide bombings and other murders,” she stated. “And how dangerous is it for our safety in the future, and what if the Arabs see that this method is working, and will kidnap more soldiers.”
Perhaps what is most alarming for the people of Israel is that Gilad’s story could happen to anyone. In a nation where every 18-year-old gives mandatory service in the military, Gilad’s captivity is a conundrum that could shake any household in Israel. Given this fact, it’s hard for the country not to stand behind Gilad and his family. Dafna speaks to this too. “On the other hand, how can we not do that when we know that he is alive and suffering and how can we send our children to the army—knowing that it can happen again, and maybe Israel won’t be able to help,” she said.
Regardless of where people fall in the debate over Gilad’s freedom, his story has a presence in every day life in Israel. During each evening news segment, journalists count the days since Gilad was captured. Yellow strings can be seen tied to people’s cars or belongings as a symbol of hope for Gilad. In my own longing to understand this conflict, I came across a published letter Gilad wrote to his family back in 2008. “I miss you a lot. It has been two long and difficult years since we were separated and I was forced to live in captivity,” he wrote. “I am dreaming of the day of my release and am looking forward to seeing you again. I hope this day will come soon, but I know it’s not up to me or you.”
As I read this letter, I am reminded of the resilience that I found so amazing and salient in Israel. While no one person can answer all the questions swirling over this contentious debate, it is certainly worth devoting a bit of energy to think about—to consider the possibilities and dilemmas of life. While I am still trying to formulate my own position on the matter, there is one certainty for me. Gilad should be celebrated for his fortitude, courage, and as a symbol of the preciousness of life.
Reading Gilad's story reminds me how insulated we are in America. The young soldier has remained in enemy hands for several years and holds great symbolic meaning the Israelis yet the average American citizen has no idea of his existence.
ReplyDeleteI think the issue is a matter of laziness. So many of us let the mainstream media guide our focus. The issues they find important or interesting enough to provide full coverage are the only topics we care to learn. For example, although I think it's great we rescued all 33 Chilean miners, it's a giant misappropriation of media resources. As much as I'd like to blame news organization for this problem, we've brought it upon ourselves. News shows run on ratings, newspapers on circulation numbers.
We're one of the most literate countries in the world and enjoy the wonderful privelege of free speech. I believe our responsibility should be to actively seek more knowledge of world events. Maybe if we show an interest in knowing more, our news media will oblige us with more substantial coverage. As long as we are comfortable with less, stories like that of Gilad Shalit's struggle will never reach our purview.