The Jewish Community turned Hendon’s Brent Street into a little bit of Israel tonight as they celebrated the release of Gilad Shalit from 5 years of captivity at the hands of Hamas.
Singing and dancing were interspersed with speeches from a variety of people, all of whom represented different parts of the community who have campaigned for all these years for the safe return of Gilad.
The Zionist Federation of the United Kingdom, who organised the event introduced Hemda Garelick who is a close family member of Gilad Shalit and who told the cheering crowd how Aviva Shalit, Gilad’s mother, had told her just a short while earlier how they had just enjoyed their first proper family meal together in more than 5 years.
Michael Brodsky, the Director of Public Affairs at the Embassy of Israel, spoke of the emotions that the entire State of Israel was feeling and the high price that had been paid to bring Gilad Shalit home.
Oliver Mayemba, representing the Christian Friends of Israel, expressed his joy at Gilad’s release and told of how his prayers and those of so many Christians throughout the UK and Israel had finally been answered.
Alan Aziz, the Zionist Federation’s Executive Director said’ “This was a wonderful way to end an emotional day. Israel has paid a heavy price but has brought home one of its children. Our message is clear, we celebrate the return of an innocent citizen while Hamas celebrate the return of murderers and terrorists.”
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