Identity, Politics

We must talk to gunmen, says father of Israeli soldier

Israel's History of Prisoner ExchangesThe Times (UK) reports:

The father of the young soldier held captive by Palestinian gunmen increased the pressure on Israel’s government yesterday by urging them to negotiate his son’s release. “In the end it will be necessary to pay a price for Gilad’s freedom,” said Noam Shalit, whose 19-year-old son was seized from Israeli territory two weeks ago. “I don’t understand why the government is delaying negotiations on this price.”

Full story here.
Bonus links:
Ha’aretz Editorial: The government is losing its reason
British Jews in UK Times: What is Israel doing? [PDF]

4 thoughts on “We must talk to gunmen, says father of Israeli soldier

  1. It’s heartbreaking that Olmert et al will not look at Rabin’s refusal to exchange Yassin for Nachson Waxman — though he did subsequently release him after Waxman was dead, and Hussein made the request — and give up some women and children prisoners, in exchange for Cpl Shalit’s safe release.
    I can’t help but wonder if this horror has anything to do with Bush threatening to cut off aid to Israel, if Olmert proceeded with any unilateral withdrawals from the West Bank, and with the meeting between the Dick Cheney, and Rummy, with Netanyahu, at the recent American Enterprise Institute, in Colorado.
    I guess a Jewish ‘bloody shirt’ is more important than ‘Jewish blood,’ in this geopolitical chess game…

  2. Miriam:
    “Bush threatening to cut off aid to Israel, if Olmert proceeded with any unilateral withdrawals from the West Bank, ”
    What are you referring to? all I’m aware of is the administration let it be known the 10 billion asking price for re-alignment wasnt possible right now. when did bush threaten to cut off regular aid? and can you provide a link for this bibi-cheney meeting?

  3. I would argue tat a history of hostage exchanges only makes the taking of more hostages more likely. Also, government policy should not be determined by people emotionally involved who may not be able to see the bigger picture.

  4. I imagine that many are aware of the story of theMaharam (chief rabbi of Rotenberg)
    After being handsomely rewarded for kidnapping Jewish folks, Rotenberg officials felt that they could exact an enormous some of money by kidnapping their great rabbi.
    As soon as hewas kidnapped and the ransom, a huge sum. was set, the jews immediately scrambled to come up with the cash.
    The maharam prohibited the community from paying the ransom lest the government see this as an easy way to make money.
    he spent 20 years in prison where he died.
    his body which was also kept in captivity was bought back by a wealthy Jew some 14 or so years later,

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