As I write this, the deal to bring back Gilad Shalit has yet to be completed. An IDF soldier, sent to his mission by the government of Israel, is still in Hamas captivity. Nevertheless, the government's approval of the move and statements by leaders of the terrorist organization give us all hope that Aviva and Noam's son will soon return home to his parents in Mitzpe Hila. As a commander in the Israel Air Force, I sent and led pilots into battle. I knew well, as did they, that there was a risk that some of us would not return home. Before going out to any battle, I emphasized to these young men that it was their obligation to carry out their mission to the best of their ability, while my responsibility as their commander was to make sure that if something bad were to happen to them, the IDF and the state of Israel would do everything possible to bring them home. The unwritten covenant between the state of Israel and its soldiers came sharply into focus during the long years of Gilad's captivity, as the country became engulfed in a storm of protests by family members and supporters from all walks of Israeli society. As someone who grew up on Kibbutz Hama'apil in an environment steeped in Zionism and values, I still believe today that the principle of mutual responsibility must be the guiding value as we set out to protect the country. The value of such words has eroded in recent years as we watched, practically helpless, as Gilad rotted away in a hole in Gaza. Meanwhile, the scar of Ron Arad, who disappeared while in Iranian captivity, has apparently not healed, and probably never will. This deal will return to both parents and soldiers the belief that Israel will doing anything within its capabilities to ensure that our children return home, even if the price is hefty. It is possible that this move will strengthen our external enemies. But it will also, and this is the important and significant point, bring us back our pride and solidarity. Right and Left, secular and religious, parents and children, the soldiers protecting our borders - everyone can raise their heads high knowing that we have not forgotten our child, Gilad. The Israeli spirit is once again victorious. I am not a religious man, but in these situations, when we are once again the few (a single soldier) versus the many (1,000 terrorists), I am reminded of a well-known Biblical passage from the book of Exodus: "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad (Ex. 1:12)." Gilad, your family and the entire nation are waiting for you, filled with great excitement and genuine love. The writer is the mayor of Ra'anana and a colonel in the reserves.
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Gilad is not some anonymous soldier from northern Israel. Over the past few years, if you said the name Gilad, it was clear to all who you meant. His parents' anxiety and worry were shared by all of us; all Israelis were concerned over his fate. The Israeli media deserves praise for taking Gilad into its heart and putting his image into all of our hearts.
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