Gilad Shalit, on his way home just in time to join David haMelech and the rest of the Ushpizin in the Sukka tonight. May the merit of the 7 Shepherds protect us and all Am Yisrael.
For our friends outside of Israel - today, after 1,491 days being held hostage by Hamas, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is returning home to his family (in exchange for the release of 1,027 convicted terrorists and murderers held in Israeli jails, all of whom are refusing to sign a pledge not to engage in terrorism after they are released).
While politically & nationally we are outraged at the deal which virtually ensures more bloodshed, G*d forbid, we rejoice with the Shalit family, and all Israel opens their arms wide to embrace the soldier who has become our national son.
We're playing songs of HOMECOMING this morning on Radio Free Nachlaot - sending vibes of love and support to the families of the thousands of victims of terror whose killers are being released today in exchange for Gilad Shalit. The anguish of the terror victim families is our anguish. The joy of the Shalit family is our joy. THERE ARE NO EASY ANSWERS, there are no unconflicted emotions, there are no clear-cut moral lines with which to try to draw conclusions.
We are a family. Dysfunctional - yes. Divided - yes. Just like a "regular" family - but today, for a brief few hours, we are all one as we welcome home Gilad Shalit.
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