Brown Backs Our Gilad Campaign
The leaders of Britain's three major political parties this week joined hundreds of readers backing our drive to send Jewish News Rosh Hashanah cards to Gilad Shalit.
In encouraging Londoners to join the campaign seven days ago, we expressed hope that such a display of communal support would show the kidnapped soldier that he remains in the community's prayers.
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Among those putting their names to cards was Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who told the Jewish News yesterday: "My thoughts are with Gilad Shalit and his family, who have lived through two years of horror. The ceasefire in Gaza offers an opportunity for his release along with a resolution to other outstanding issues that will improve the daily lives of Palestinians in Gaza and Israelis alike."
Throwing his weight behind the initiative, David Cameron said: "As Jewish communities around the world reflect on 5768 and look ahead to 5769, we all hope and pray for the speedy return of Gilad Shalit to his family and friends."
The Conservative leader added: "Signing a card will not only hopefully show Gilad himself the support that exists for him in this country and beyond, but will provide immense comfort to the Shalit family at this important time in the Jewish calendar."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, meanwhile, took time out of his party's conference in Bouremouth to add his name to one of the New Year cards, saying his thoughts were with Shalit "and other individuals who have unfairly suffered as a result of the wider conflict in the Middle East. I send Rosh Hashanah greetings to Gilad and share the hope that he will be released back to his family very soon".
And even from France - a country which President Sarkozy this year insisted had not forgotten Shalit, who has dual Israeli-French citizenship - news came that the "Elysee supports this initiative".
The concept of sending New Year cards to Gilad originally came from activist Rona Hart. In addition to signed copies of our card - designed by last year's Jewish News Rosh Hashanah design competition co-winner Hadassa Roth - special greeting postcards produced by the Zionist Federation and others sent by individuals to the Israeli Embassy will be handed to Gilad's father Noam at this Sunday's Walking For Gilad event in London. It is hoped that all the greetings will then be passed to the youngster himself with the help of the Red Cross in Israel.
Among the Jewish News cards that will hopefully reach their destination are ones signed this week by Schools Secretary Ed Balls, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, Board of Deputies President Henry Grunwald and Sir Sigmund Sternberg. A number were also sent to the Embassy by members of Christian Friends of Israel.
Director Geoffrey Smith said: "Freedom for the captives is a core value of Judaism and Christianity. Christian Friends of Israel across the nation support this initiative by the Jewish News with our actions and our prayers."
Israeli Embassy spokesman Lior Ben Dor added: "It is heartwarming to see such solidarity within the Jewish community for Gilad Shalit. Undoubtedly, the impressive number of cards received from the readers of the Jewish News will help strengthen the hearts of the Shalit family."
If you haven't yet signed a card, click here to download one or pick one up at this Sunday's Walking for Gilad event.
Among those addressing the rally at the Lyric Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue will be Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor. The event - which is sponsored by the Jewish News and Media Group - will also feature a performance by renowned Israeli musician Ehud Banai. The rally at the theatre follows a march through central London, which kicks off at 1pm outside Green Park station.
Organiser Tamar Pross said: "This will be the biggest show of support for Gilad outside Israel. For a few hours, Gilad will no longer be the loneliest man in the world. I hope everyone joins us."
• Tickets can be purchased at the Lyric Theatre on the day. For more information, log onto www.walkingforgilad.co.uk.
Read the latest copy of The Jewish News Online by clicking here.
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