A Proud Day for All of Israel

Written by Andrea Zaltzman

Yesterday there was not an Israeli who was NOT glued to the television set. From 6:30 a.m. until late last night when Noam Shalit finally exited from his house after dinner with his son . . . . . complete awe at the miraculous, troublesome and emotional day. Gilad is visibly not well – weak, pale, disorientated and overwhelmed. The beginning of a new reality is unfolding and none of us know what it means but for those of us who are not writing analyses, it was a day that words cannot describe.

Painful premonitions aside, Aviva and Noam Shalit taught us a powerful lesson about parenting. There is no stone they left unturned and they did it with class. They are refined and sensitive, clearly aware of the terrible blow that families of victims have been dealt. There was absolutely no gloating even in the midst of their deep, deep gratitude. The return of their son is a miracle that defies description or belief. I truly believe that many of us feared that he might have been returned in a box; we've seen it before with the delivery of Goldwasser and Regev who, until the last moments, were hoped to have been spared. Gilad walked out on his own two shaky legs. The entire country stifled a unified scream of shocked gratitude. Many of us have children in uniform and I know that my child is everyone's child. That the fate of a Shalit is/can be the fate of a Cohen, a Bernstein, a Ploni Almoni!

Sadly one radio talk show presenter reported on Israeli arrogance, the 'audacity' to believe that one Jewish boy is worth 1,000 Palestinians. And they are right, even in their malicious finger-pointing. The way we value human life is unparalleled.

Bibi is the leader we need at this time. his speech yesterday was perfect. Handing over Gilad to his father, he simply said, "Here is your boy. I've done my job." He spoke of the way that we value human life, celebrate potential. There is no need for me to rehash the way our enemies look at life.

It is a very unusual feeling to know that both sides are 100% right. Those who wanted him out at any price were correct: you send a boy in to fight for Israel and have a right to know that the army will do everything to protect and return this son. This is the deal we have with our country and with Jews around the world. We will keep it. Protect it. Defy those who say we have no rights.

And those who say that you don't reward terror, that you have tied our hands forever, that you have spit in the face of those who have buried those they love. They are 100% right.

What a day to be a part of our unfolding, evolving, Heaven-propelled history. To have a seat in the front row of God's theatre is an experience that goes far beyond my gift for words. Humbling. Prayer filled. Awe inspiring at every turn.

Chag samayach and Shabbat shalom. Pray for peace.