A major portion of Mitzpei Hila’s Shavuos program was dedicated to a community member, captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, who on 25 June will mark 2 years in Hamas captivity.

While many of the community youth who enlisted with Gilad have already completed their army service, and are moving on with their lives, Gilad remains in Hamas hands.

In an open letter read at the event, community members write, “On Shavuos we take a look at the accomplishments of the past year, to see what our fields have produced. Many of the youth has already begun their new lives… while one remains in the desert…in another month you are scheduled to be discharged from the army. Dear Gilad, you are in the heart of each and every one of us, all the time, at times of joy and of sadness. We are with you and we love you.”

A fellow combatant and neighbor, Kori Charmoni explained that since Gilad was taken captive, he and his colleagues are always wondering what he is doing, where he is and how he is being treated. “We wonder if he is being fed and given drink. Undoubtedly, psychologically, he is enduring a most difficult ordeal and he is most likely not doing well.” (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)