Mr. Tzvi Shalit, the grandfather of Gilad Shalit, who was abducted during his military service by the Hamas terrorist organization and was held captive for more than five years, was niftar on Sunday night.

During the captivity of his grandson, Shalit presented a firm line against the prime minister and against government policy and even took an active part in the struggle for his release.

However, about two years ago, during the two-year anniversary of Gilad’s release, he said, “I always believed that Gilad would eventually return, and I have no doubt that the social struggle and the public pressure led the decision makers to decide to release my living grandchildren. Everything is behind us and we are looking forward.”

The levaya was held on Monday at 6:00PM in the Old Haifa Cemetery.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)