Gilad Schalit’s release, 15 years later: Why Israel must remember joy of his homecoming - opinion

An opinion piece marking 15 years since Gilad Schalit's release from Hamas captivity after 1,941 days. The author recalls the national joy and relief of his return, highlighting the campaign by his parents Noam and Aviva. While acknowledging criticism of the prisoner exchange and its debated consequences, the article focuses on the human story and the value of remembering a moment of unity.

An opinion piece by Jonathan Lieberman marks the 15th anniversary of Gilad Schalit's release from Hamas captivity, which occurred on October 18, 2011, after 1,941 days. The author recalls the national joy and relief that swept Israel and the Jewish world when the young soldier returned home, emphasizing the human story over political analysis. He highlights the tireless campaign by Schalit's parents, Noam and Aviva, who kept their son's plight in the public consciousness. Noam Schalit died in 2022 but lived to see his son return and marry. The article acknowledges the criticism of the prisoner exchange and its debated consequences for October 7, 2023, but argues that the moment of joy itself deserves remembrance. It notes that Gilad Schalit has since built a quiet life as a sports journalist. The piece concludes by urging readers to set aside political arguments and remember the gratitude and unity of that day.