US Jews mark Shalit's birthday
Several cities across America to hold solidarity events marking captive solider's fourth birthday in captivity. Organizers call on Red Cross to ensure soldier's visitation rights according to Geneva Convention
Friday marks captive soldier Gilad Shalit's 23rd birthday, and Jewish communities around the United States have decided to hold special solidarity events in his honor, under the banner "Gilad is our son".
The events will take place in Minneapolis, Miami, Tucson, Denver, New Jersey, Columbus, Phoenix, Tulsa and San Francisco.
As part of the initiative, members of the Jewish community will encourage people to sign protest cards addressed to the Red Cross demanding the organization ensure the captive soldier's visitation rights.
Jewish Agency emissary in Minneapolis Noga Shavit told Ynet the point of this weekend's events is to use Shalit's birth date, August 28, not only to garner support and solidarity, but also to pressure the Red Cross into securing the soldier's rights.
Among the people slated to participate are two American congressmen, rabbis, educators and leaders of the Jewish community, as well as non-Jews and the Minneapolis mayor who declared August 26 "Gilad Shalit Day".
The participants plan to create a "leaf of hope" for the "Gilad Shalit Tree of Hope" prepared by summer camp children who wrote blessings and wishes for the captive soldier.
"It's an expression of recognition and solidarity," Shavit said.
A similar event will take place in Columbus Ohio on September 10, with Minister Benny Begin and Israeli Consul General in Philadelphia, Daniel Kutner in attendance.
Gilad Shalit Tree of Hope (Photo: Courtesy of Jewish Agency)
"We chose to hold the event around Gilad's birthday, to show that we have not forgotten and that we urge the government of Israel to do everything to have him released. When we say Gilad is our son, it means that Gilad is the child of the entire Jewish people around the world," said Avi Kagan, emissary to Columbus.
Ahead of the event the Jewish Agency purchased 1,000 copies of "When the Shark and the Fish First Met", a book written by Shalit as a child, and handed copies out to members of the Jewish community.
After the main event, mass prayers and educational activities, will be held in the various cities, with tens of thousands of people, both Jews and non-Jews, expected to participate.
In addition, the Jewish Agency website will launch a virtual petition demanding Red Cross representatives act immediately to receive information on Shalt's wellbeing, and make sure he receives all the conditions stipulated in the Geneva Convention.
Gilad Shalit was captured into the Gaza Strip 1,159 days ago
