Jewish groups congratulate Israel on Gilad Shalit return

[King_David]

Groups laud Israel for brokering deal to secure release, however note bittersweet nature of return of Palestinian prisoners.
By Natasha Mozgovaya and HaaretzTags: Jewish WorldDiaspora Jews

Jewish groups worldwide congratulated Israel and the Egyptian and German mediators Tuesday for safely bringing home Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit after 1,940 days in captivity.

While they said Shalit's return was reason for celebration, the groups emphasized the bitter-sweet nature of the Israeli-Hamas prisoner exchange agreement that will see the release of 1,027 prisoners in return for Shalit.


AJC Executive Director David Harris thanked the Egyptian and German mediators Tuesday, and commended Netanyahu and his Cabinet on making "one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching decisions ever faced by a political leader."

“Israel made a decision of extraordinary nobility, choosing to risk future dangers at the hands of an implacable enemy to save one human life today. Jewish tradition teaches that 'He who saves one life has saved the world," said Harris.

Harris acknowledged the risk involved with exchanging Shalit for more than 1,000 convicted prisoners, but commended the Israeli government for taking an action that "speaks to the highest values embodied by the Jewish State."

"Although the coming days will inevitably witness grotesque celebrations, as murderers return to joyous mobs in the West Bank and Gaza, we will also witness scenes of a relieved Israeli public that would not rest until their son, Gilad Shalit - and he was viewed as the collective son of Israeli society - was freed. The juxtaposition of these respective images will speak volumes," he said.


http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-groups-congratulate-israel-on-gilad-shalit-return-1.390777

[King_David]

1. One SMALL 12 Million Family nt

[vminfla]

2. Perhaps a pyrrhic victory

Israel must now contend with the threat that 1,000 terrorists represent.