Protest outside PM's house: Shalit is also cold

Some 70 protesters for release of captive Israeli soldier gather outside prime minister's residence in Jerusalem with cardboard cutouts of Gilad Shalit and signs that read 'I want a blanket, I am cold'

Ahiya Raved|Published: 02.05.10 , 14:32

"Can anyone hear me?" This is the slogan inscribed on the signs carried by "the army of Gilad's friends" on Friday at a protest outside the prime minister's house in Jerusalem.

The demonstrators placed cardboard cutouts of the captive soldier outside Netanyahu's home, alongside signs that read: "I want a blanket, I am cold", with the sound clip from the most recent video of Shalit released by Hamas several months ago playing in the background.

The activists expressed their satisfaction with the fact that, despite the freezing cold, an estimated 70 people arrived to show their support.

Protest outside PM's house in Jerusalem (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

"We are here to make Gilad's voice heard," said Hadar Miller, one of the activists. "It's been five months since the family received the video tape, and since then, nothing has happened."

She added, "Bibi (Netanyahu) cannot settle for statements that Hamas does not want to make progress in talks or for Gilad's release. He must find a solution and bring the organization to the negotiations table. Israel must maintain its values and rescue any soldier in captivity. This would be our finest hour."

This is the second protest held by Shalit activists since the decision to resume the struggle. On Tuesday, activists from the Shalit campaign tried to stop a fuel truck from entering the Gaza Strip.

Next Tuesday they plan to hold another protest outside Hadarim prison, in an attempt to prevent Palestinians from visiting their relatives jailed in Israel. Next week they are to hold another protest outside the prime minister's house in Caesarea.

"The government should have done it three years ago," said an activist. Regarding the visitation rights granted to Palestinian prisoners, the activist said, "They have it so well over here that their leaders have no reason to rush talks."