Ackerman Hails the Freeing of Captured Israeli Soldier Gilad Shalit

Statement

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, today hailed the freeing of captured Israel soldier Gilad Shalit.

"Though we have to wait until the exchange is actually done, I want to express my solidarity and pride in the State of Israel for this effort to redeem from captivity one of its brave sons," said Ackerman. "Gilad Shalit should never have been kidnapped, he should never have been held captive, and he needs to be returned to his family without delay."

"I also want to express my deep appreciation for our allies in Egypt for their critical role in helping to facilitate this deal, which I hope will be successful in bringing Gilad Shalit home," added Ackerman.

Ackerman has long championed the cause of Gilad Shalit, sponsoring resolutions that were adopted in the two previous Democratic-led Congresses that called on Hamas to immediately release the imprisoned soldier. The first (H. Res. 107) was adopted by the House on March 13, 2007 and the second (H. Res. 1359) was passed on June 24, 2010. The Congressman introduced the third and most recent measure this past June 21.

Ackerman has also met and spoken with Shalit's family numerous times to express solidarity with them. Most recently (in June), he joined Shalit's parents in the tent they erected outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem as part of their campaign to secure the release of the their son.

"As a parent, I cannot imagine the pain that Gilad and his family have been forced to endure for more than five long years," said Ackerman. "But today, we share the joy and relief that they are no doubt feeling."

"I remain deeply suspicious about Hamas," added Ackerman. "Regardless of this deal--which I pray will be fulfilled--Hamas remain nothing more than a bunch of radical blood-soaked terrorists who have never, not for a single moment, withdrawn or denied their declared intention to destroy the State of Israel."

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