Mr. Noam Shalit, the father of imprisoned IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, over the weekend released a harsh criticism on former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, stating he could have done a great deal more towards obtaining the release of his son, who in a week will mark his third year in Hamas custody. Today, 29 Sivan is the third anniversary on the Hebrew calendar.

Speaking to Channel 2 News, the father of the imprisoned soldier explained that despite statements from the former prime minister that he is “doing everything possible to obtain Gilad’s release” and that “his picture is opposite me in my office,” this is not the case stated Mr. Shalit, who explained people who are involved in efforts towards obtaining his release have told him otherwise. Mr. Shalit added that on occasion, the prime minister rebuked him for launching the public campaign to obtain Gilad’s release, seeking to enlist the support of the Israeli and international communities. “You are lucky Gilad is alive” the former prime minister was quoted as telling the parents Mr. Shalit stated.

In response, Olmert’s office released a statement that just as in the past, the prime minister will not respond to the remarks, harmful and painful as they are.

Shalit was taken captive by Hamas in a cross-border terror attack in Kerem Shalom on June 25, 2006. Today, 29 Sivan is the third anniversary on the Hebrew calendar.

In a Sunday morning Israel Radio interview, Miki Goldwasser stated if Olmert would have spoken to her as he did the Shalit’s the heavens would have rumbled, rejecting his right to make such statements. She stressed that three families began this struggle (Goldwasser, Regev and Shalit) and the three will complete it together, stressing the Shalits are not alone.

The bodies of soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev were returned in a prisoner release deal with Hizbullah.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)