Gilad Shalit
Israel’s Captive Soldier
Gilad Shalit was born in 1986 in Nahariya, a city in northern Israel. When he was 2 years old, his parents, Noam and Aviva Shalit, moved to the nearby village of Mitzpe Hila, where he grew into a young man neighbors and friends describe as well-mannered, shy, and very close to his family. After graduating from his local high school with honors, Gilad was drafted into the Israeli Defense Forces in July, 2005. Although pre-army medical tests showed that he had a less-than-robust physical constitution (and he therefore was eligible for a low-risk assignment), he nonetheless chose to serve in a combat unit, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Yoel.
Gilad’s kidnapping
Gilad Shalit served in an IDF Armored Corps unit that was posted to a base in southern Israel close to the Gaza Border. In the early dawn on June 25th, 2006, eight heavily armed Palestinian terrorists used an underground tunnel to cross into Israel from Gaza. In an explosion of gunfire and rockets, the terrorists ambushed several areas on Gilad’s base. One of the rockets hit the rear of a tank carrying four soldiers, one of whom was Gilad Shalit. Two soldiers were killed, and two, including Gilad, were wounded. With the ongoing attack as cover, the terrorists—members of Hamas–snatched Gilad from the tank and carried him back across the border. Most commentators believe that the raid’s goal was to kidnap a soldier.
Three years later, Gilad is still being held captive. In a gross violation of international law and all standards of human decency, his captors have refused to allow the Red Cross to visit him, have not let him contact his family, and have not provided reliable information on his physical condition. Hamas has made clear that he is a bargaining chip: For his release, they demand that Israel free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, including convicted terrorists and murderers.
Gilad and his family need you
Like all Israelis, Gilad served in the IDF to fight terror and protect his country from the vicious and amoral thugs who now hold him. In captivity for more than 1,000 days and nights, the only signs of life his family has received are a voice recording sent a year after his capture and a short note a year later; there is no way of knowing when they were made (though time frames are mentioned, there is no way of being sure that he wasn’t forced to write or say a date in the future). In a bold violation of international law unremarked upon by most world leaders, Hamas has not allowed any international aid organization or other emissaries to visit Gilad and confirm that he is alive and check his medical condition.
Gilad Shalit is not just a soldier. He is a son, a beloved brother to his sister and brother, a friend to many, a citizen of the State of Israel, and a member of the Jewish people. In sharp contrast to the terrorists who hold him captive, the soldier Gilad fought to protect life and defend Jewish sovereignty. Gilad deserves to return to his family and to his home in Israel.
Please pray for Gilad and his loved ones, and make sure the world knows about him—and cannot forget him—until he comes home.
How you can help
- Please pray:
- For Gilad Shalit’s physical and emotional safety, and for him to have the strength and courage to endure his captivity.
- For God to surround Gilad with His Protective Presence so that he knows that he is not alone, nor forgotten.
- For Gilad’s speedy and safe return to Israel and his family.
- For the continued strength, faith, and determination of Gilad’s family.
- For Israeli leaders and leaders around the world to receive Divine Guidance to have clarity, purpose, and fortitude as they work to free Gilad.
- Please keep a prayer card with you as a reminder to pray for Gilad and to tell his story to others. Download and print your Gilad Shalit prayer card »
What do you think?
8:53 am
In fact it sounds bad, but with the power of God of Israel he will be back.
5:59 pm
I agree. God’s power is unstoppable. Let’s continue to pray in faith for Gilad’s safe return.
8:01 pm
i believe with all my heart that he will be home soon God is in control and what he says goes meshaik, shadrak and abendigo were sent in the firey furnace only to be protected by God. God is with him and we all will continue to pray. i know i spelled the names wrong forgive me. love all of u
2:21 pm
Our faith and trust is in our ALMIGHTY GOD, and we’re praying for Gilad to be set free. Our prayers are also with his family.
12:34 am
Our prayers are with Gilad. We pray God’s continued presence and covering over him. Also that the LORD will wake up the conscience of world leaders to say “Enough”, and to do the right thing regarding this young man and Isreal. Shalom.
6:04 am
“God is able.” “Nothing is to hard for Me.” “I’ve got plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” “What the enemy meant for harm the Lord will turn it around for good.” “Love conquers all.” “One shall put a thousand to flight….” The Lord is healing Jerusalem, binding open wounds, setting the captives free. The Lord will restore Israel and bring back all of her loved ones. When I visited Israel I was sobbing when our plane flew over the Holy Land. The Lord’s annointing and favor is so strong over Israel.
11:09 am
I pray that God will protect your son during his time of imprisonment and that one day very soon he will return home to his loved ones. I also pray God will give you the strength to deal with this difficult time in your lives. I will continue to pray until Gilad is released back to you. God is good, keep your faith.
5:56 pm
Nothing is impossible to God. Those who love Gilad and his family knows the power of our sovereign God. Let us all remember the stories in the bible about Moses, Joseph Daniel and others who were miraculously freed by the God of Abraham, Issac and Jaocob. Gilad is next. Is there anything impossible to God?
8:53 pm
With God, all things are possible,
only believe.
11:12 pm
Our God is an Omnipotent God who is in control of everything and He will perform a miracle for Gilad to show the world that He is the same God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Israel. May the glorious presence of God Almighty be upon you, Gilad, this day and forever.
9:00 pm
I’ve been praying for many, many months for Gilad’s safety. Nothing is too hard for our Almighty God to accomplish.
1:39 am
I pray that he will be brought home to his family. God is good and he does answer prayers. He will perform a miracle and return Gilad safely. I pray nightly for Peace in Israel and also around the world. We have to keep our faith in the lord.
5:23 pm
Shalom. I am a supporter of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. It is a privilege to pray for this brave Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and his family. May “GOD” cause his enemies to set him free soon, safe and in good health.
6:03 pm
I have prayed for your son and have asked our God to place His wonderful hands on Gilad to keep him safe, to keep him well and to return him to his family. Believe me, there is absolutely nothing He can’t do. Bless your hearts. I know it is hard, but when our son was fighting in Iraq, I claimed Psalm 91, so please remain faithful and God will be faithful to you.
9:06 pm
G_d can save Gilad beyond human understanding
9:08 pm
‘The eye of the L-rd is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy;’
L-rd, we stand in awe of You to praise and thank You for Your Love and Faithfulness to Israel throughout all generations, and that You watch over Your Word to perform it. we call upon You now, L-rd, to speak with Gilead, that He would hear Your heart speak to him- bring to his mind Your Words to encourage him-Give him faith-rest in His heart, knowing all Your promises are for him. Help him trust You with all his heart and lean not unto his own understanding. Bring healing to his body, mind, soul, spirit and emotions by Your Spirit. Use Gilead for Your Glory, that all Israel know You are a Covenant keeping G-d and faithul. Keep him in the hollow of Your hand, close to Your heart. L-rd, we have the Promise that before we call, You will answer, and while we are yet speaking, You will hear in Isaiah 65:24. Hear our prayer, L-rd, and release Gilead Shalit.
we ask in faith believing, knowing You love us, and delight to move on our behalf. we put Gilead into Your hands, and trust in You to deliver him safely and soon to the praise of the glory of Your Grace.
4:24 pm
I am a mother of 8 children, 3 of which are boys & I feel for Gilad’s family. I will pray for him daily. I am a supporter of this ministry. Also it behooves me more, that I may have Jewish roots through my mother who passed away & never would talk about her ancestry. Gilad is a brave young man, & The Lord is good all the time, & He will keep his chosen ones from harm & protect Israel always!!! As long as The Lord permits me I will give to my Jewish ministries. And of course always pray for Israel & also my beloved USA.
2:53 pm
I pray psalm 91 over Gilad and stand in agreement for his swift an safe return.
He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee – Psalm 91
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
2:55 pm
It has to be extremely difficult for Gilad and his family. i know the LORD has heard our prayers..HE will work in HIS time and for HIS glory. We must continue to pray every day for Gilad.
3:13 pm
I know this is a difficult time for the family of Gilad. I pray that the Almighty God will surround you with his love and give you peace. I will continue to pray for Gilad’s strength, endurance and protection. My prayer is that God will move quickly for his return to his family.
3:30 pm
HAVE FAITH IN GOD!! Gilad is NOT alone. He is wrapped in the wings of God. God hears fervent prayer. Trust in Him.
9:15 pm
I cannot imagine what this man is going though. I hope he will be set free soon so that we can know his thoughts about this experience and gain some insight into anything that could make Jerusalem a more peaceful place. I know good will come out of this situation.
5:52 pm
I pray that God protects Gilad under His wings with His Angels as He watches over him. Psalm 91:11. No weapon formed against him shall prosper in the name of Jesus. Isaiah 54:17. He will be released very soon When God’s time is ready.
6:12 pm
Dear Mishpochah of Gilad,
Our Father in heaven, May your name be sanctified. May your Kingdom be blessed. Your will shall be done in heaven and on earth. Give us our bread continually. Forgive us the debt of our sins as we forgive the debt of those who sin against us. Do not bring us into the hands of a test, and protect us all from evil. Amen. YAHWEH has not left Gilad for a moment, no more that He has left you his loves ones. Keep your faith, and rejoice in the sense of security that is yours.
7:09 pm
I pray God to send His angels to strengthen and protect Gilad, and to encourage him. God will never forsake or abandon His children, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I pray God that He may also strengthen Gilad’s family in this time of crisis, that they may not lose faith, God is good and in His time He will provide. God is faithful and do hear the prayers of His children.
8:02 pm
I have been praying for Gilad since his capture. I pray that our G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would reveal HImslef to both Gilad and his captors. I pray that his captors be moved by the Holy Spirit of G-d to assist Gilad in returning home to his family and nation so that Gilad can give all glory to our Master. With G-d, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, and I’m praying for a miraclulous return. I’m also praying for all Western World Leaders to MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD and demand this young man’s release.
8:31 pm
I do pray for Gilad every day, I know that G_D in his infinite wisdom is with Gilad every day. I read Gilad’s book today that he wrote when he was a child. I only wish that the world would look through the eyes of that innocent child and that the shark and the fish could co-exist in a peaceful world.
8:36 pm
while I pray for Gilad’s sooner return to his lobveones, It behoove us to remember also that the Lord will act at his own time always for his glory. Let us therfore praise him for his kindness and for controlling all the events in these very wonderful world. Praise be always to the Lord.
9:03 pm
My family and I continue to pray for Gilad and for his family.
11:03 pm
I will trust my Amazing Awesome God that He hears our prayers and has already begun His work for His glory and Gilad’s purpose. God says we love Him when we obey Him. Gilad is a man who is obedient to God. God says to live at peace whenever possible, Gilad tried his best to bring peace to his fellow citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Shalit and family, I pray with all my heart for peace for you knowing your son is fulfilling his purpose in God’s plan. I hope you find great comfort in that. Not only was he living life for God and everyone around him, but he is still working for God because this is causing many to pray on his behalf and that means we are all in agreement. Where two or more are gathered in His name, He is there. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. God is faithful because that is Who He is, not just what He does.
May God bless you and your family greatly, in Jesus’ Name.
With all my heart I thank you for raising a caring and wonderful son.
12:56 am
Lord, we do pray for this precious young man, he being one of your most beloved people. First we thank you because You are above ALL authority and power. Your Name is above every name. We, your people love you and ask you not only to keep this dear young man Gilad under the shadow of your wings but also to accomplish Your heart desire in and through Him for the glory of Your precious Name.
2:55 am
I am praying for this child of the Living God. I have faith that Gilad is alive because the Living God is alive. Those who say the Promised Nation must be destroyed are living in fantasy. i pray that the people of God will triumph in the face of daunting hatred for the people of God. Be courageous!!!
5:11 am
May these years he has been kept prisoner not be without fruit, may his captors become captives and may they repent of their evil. May all that is going on with him, although difficult and painful, not be for nothing. God is in control at all times and He can turn evil for good, just like He did during the times of Joseph.
5:24 am
praying for you , the family, your son gilad , have been praying for some time now , may the Lord bless and keep you is my prayer,shalom
6:19 am
The pen is mightier than the sword, get writing to mps, senators, prime ministers, your reps in the e.u. presidents, everyone in powerful positions and ask what they are going to do about it.
This is shameful behaviour from the Palestinians and even more shameful from world governments and the powers that be.
All that is required for evil to flourish is that good men do nothing.
6:49 am
I pray right now that for Gilad’s safe return to his homeland and family. In Jesus’ name. Amen
7:38 am
I believe what God did for Daniel in the lions den, He and His angels will do no less for His Son Gilad.
8:36 am
I always pray for peace in Israel, now I will pray for Gilad also, there is nothing hard for God or too hard for God. I urge everyone to pray for peace in Israel.
9:01 am
I will pray for Gilad. I wish I could do more, like go get him myself, but I wouldn’t know where to start, so I will continue to pray for his safe return.
1:56 pm
I also wish that I could do something personally myself. I know that the government of Israel cares dearly for all of their people but why hasn’t the IDF gotten this fallen soldier back. God has blessed Israel with the best intelligence of any military and this job should have been done by now. Lets remember to pray for the IDF.
9:22 am
I pray for Gilad everyday and will continue to do so. My heart breaks for him and his family but I know the Great and Mighty LORD will deliver him. I pray Gilad feels the arms of JESUS around him every day and that JESUS CHRIST will deliver him from his enemies….I also pray for his guards and that GOD will soften their hearts toward Gilad and that NO harm will come to him. I pray GOD’s Mighty Hand over Gilad. In JESUS Mighty Name I pray.
11:20 am
I will pray for Gilad and his family. Nothing is impossible with Jesus Christ. I pray the Lord will wrap his arms around Gilad and his family and let them feel his ever presence, protection and love for them.
5:32 pm
Gliad Shalit will never be forgotten. As long as injustice and tyranny reigns supreme in Gaza, we shall fight for his freeedom.
5:33 pm
I pray for the peace of Israel and may the Holy Spirit be with Gilad.
6:22 am
God Bless you all. I will praye for Gilad and his family. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust. Psalms 91:1-2.
11:25 am
When the Prophet Daniel was thrown into the Lions den YWYH shut the mouths of the lion till those who threw him in were thrown in themselves. The Lord sees the end from the begining and will not let the guitly go unpunsihed. As Paul through the power of the Holy SPIRIT change the lives of those who inprisoned him, may it be that Gilad by the mercies of YWWH be able to touch many Hamas terrorist that they give up and leave Hamas totally and become friends and voices for Jesus Christ in the Gaza strip. AMEN
12:45 am
Do the captors realize what they have created? God’s loving people praying in unison. What Power! The captors powers is minute’ when compared with almighty God. May this bring Glory to God!!!
9:59 am
You’re right John. The Lord tells us “Where 2 or 3 gather in my name, there am I with them,.” With so many praying together, we can be assured that He is there with us, and with Gilad. Keep praying for Gilad’s safety, and his release, and also pray that he does not lose hope, but clings to God for strength and courage.
2:59 pm
Oh most Holy and Almighty Lord God, I humbly pray with the rest of your body in asking that you move in a mighty way on Gilad’s behalf–rescue him, keep him safe, take care of him. I realize whatever your will is to be will be and I petition you for his safe return home Father and thank you for your mercy, grace and always caring for us in a mighty and loving way–on behalf of Gilad I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ my savoir Amen,
8:45 pm
We also are praying for his return to his family for God’s glory II Chronicles 7:14 and that we may rejoice together. God bless & keep us in His care.
5:15 pm
We serve a Perfect God. Gilad is in the Palm
of His Holy Hands. We will not forget your
son and soon he will be home with His
Family. I pray Psalm 91 over Gilad. He is
in the Shadow of the Most High!!! Shalom
10:08 am
I pray for Gilad Shilat, that the Lord will surround him with his love, comfort, & protection for whatever he has to endure. He is being used as a tool by Israel’s enemy. I have 3 grown sons & would be horrified if they were in Gilad’s position. Our God is in control of all things, & I Stand for Israel.
10:15 am
One soldier and how many Palestinians?
6:58 pm
I pray for Gilad Shilat to come home quickly and safely to his family and friends. I will pray for Gilad and his family each day. GOD BLESS.
12:26 pm
I don’t know what happen to Gilad, but one thing I know: he is in God’s hand. that is important than anything. The enemy can hurt his body, but love of Jesus Christ is full fill in his heart, make him always rejoice. JESUS CHRIST ALWAYS WITH U, GILAD!