Gilad takes a walk near his home (photo: Reuters)
On Thursday, Noam Shalit, Gilad Shalit’s father, spoke with reporters about his son’s condition just days after he was released from nearly five and a half years in Hamas captivity. While Noam says Gilad’s appetite is good and he’s going for walks and bike rides, he admits his son has trouble sleeping and is suffering from the effects of sunlight deprivation.
In response to a question quoting Hamas’ statement that Shalit was not tortured in captivity, his father said: “I suggest you take anything Hamas says with a grain of salt. Gilad underwent very difficult things during his captivity. I won’t go into that now… His treatment did improve a little bit over time.”
Gilad, he said, “talks to us and shares what he can. I don’t know how I, or you, would have survived this long in captivity, so considering what he’s been through he is doing okay.
“The most important thing now is ensuring he readapts gradually. Gilad is not one to make any special requests – he is taking things as they come. We are trying to give him everything we can.
As for the days ahead, Noam Shalit said that his son will continue to follow his doctors’ orders: “More rest, more care, and gradually getting his life back together.”
What do you think?
11:33 am
Gilad, this note is late, but please know that many of us here in America prayed for you during your time in captivity, that you would remain strong in your inner man and remember the lessons you have learned from the Torah, because the Word of G-d is your strength. We praise Him that He delivered you and I know that you will be a very strong help to others as the result, making Israel a stronger nation. Never forget that your country is the only country with a G-d, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and our Lord has promised to protect His land and also His people no matter where they may be, when they call on Him in faith. We pray for your and your family’s continued protection and blessing.
11:22 pm
My heart breaks for all the suffering of the people of Isarel. I do rejoice for the release of this brave young man and pray that he will make a full recovery in time.
3:17 pm
Not tortured by the Hamas?! That’s a completely LIE!! I am sick and tired of the international community listening to Hamas breathe out lies and demands on people and not puting an end to it, not putting Hamas, Hezbollah and the Palestin ians in their place. The Palestinians have repeatedly commited acts of terrorism, violence, and murder on Israelis in Jerusalem and Israel, and have done so for 40 to 50 years. Why are we all bowing down to these criminals and doing what ever they say???!! Is it because Communist China supports them- is that why we of the West are so sheepish in the way that we deal with these hoodlums?
2:04 pm
If anyone wants to know what it was like, you need to read the book “Son of Hamas”By Ron Brackin and Yousef Mosab. He was in the same prison as Gilad. He now lives in America. He is a Christian.
11:52 am
I listened to the “Son of Hamas” on audio and really got a lot of insight regarding Isreal and Hamas. My heart aches for anyone suffering through such horrible experiences, even those who don’t know the true God. I am happy that Gilad is back home with his family! We will continue to pray for Isreal!