A Mother’s Pain

I sympathise very much for your situation and your reflection. There is no way I can fully appreciate your pain and of all the victims and their families. The only victory here is in the fact that the Palestinians leaders have place such a low value on their followers. I can only conclude from that their end must be soon in the plan of Hashem for Palestine and peace, real peace for Israel.

I'm so sorry. I don't have an answer for you - I wish I did. I wish none of this was necessary. I agree, I wanted Gilad free as well, but not this way. There is no question these murderers will murder again and again and again. Maybe the saddest thing of all is that the IDF is so gracious in capturing them and not killing them when they are captured as did the so-called freedom fighters in Libya with Gadafi. I'm sorry this has happened - that murderers are free to murder again. May you be comforted in your grief and those with whom you've shared so much.

For what it's worth, I can assure you that terror victims are not the only Israelis against the prisoner exchange. I and many others I know shudder to think of what the consequences will be. Would that our people would be willing to understand that actions have consequences - we may have never gotten into the Gilad Shalit mess in the first place. May you be comforted by the Ultimate Judge, and may real justice soon prevail.

Living outside Israel, I always said I have no right to judge Israel's decisions. I understand your point completely and I am also glad that the Schalit's nightmare is over and yes, at a very high price. I also pray that this never happens again and the only way to prevent that is by Israel fighting back the moment anything like this happens again. In some way, a soldiers death at the time of a kidnapping is better than being held hostage for years and having no closure for the family. The lack of closure for a parent is agonizing and for that I am glad Gilad is home with his family and I am glad that my nephews know that their government will get them home if this ever happened to them. Israel needs to stop thinking about world opinion and just do what it needs to do to survive because no matter what it does, Israel will always be in the wrong according to world view. The next time something happens and we all know there will be a next time as the world should know too since Hamas anounced it, Israel should go in without hesitation of any "innocent" people being in the crossfire and bomb them back. I am glad Gilad is home and this will only stop for good when Israel fights back harder in it's defense. The world can think what they chose to think. My heart goes out to you and I hope you can find peace in the beautiful work you are now doing in support of other families. I am sure your son's life, your experience and your work have made a huge difference in many peoples lives.

I do feel Gilad Shalit alive is worth the exchange and I am happy that his family is not sitting shiva. That said I think it is time for Israel to have the death penalty. Terrorists need to be killed and know they will not be in jail seeing their loved ones, getting an education, etc. I also want to know who paid all that money to the released terrorists....Is it from the funds that America, England, etc. sent over to help the poor Palestinians??

I totally agree with death penalty for terrorists. Israel's citizens should not have to spend a dime on the trash that wants the State erased from history. Making prisoners is exactly what is going to promote more kidnappings of israeli soldiers. The decision to release that many prisoners was disturbing to me. I understand Schalit's family but in the end this attitude will just manufacture more Gilads in the future.

Sherri- my heart goes out to you today just as it has many many times since Koby and Yosef were taken from us. Though all "piguim" are unbearable to me- some seem to strike such a nerve that I think of the victims and their families very often. I don't think I'm alone. The Jewish people are different from our Arabs neighbors in that we actually have these discussions and mourn each loss as if it was our own. Your position is fair, Sherri- no one can blame you for hurting terribly over this lopsided exchange. But on the other hand, Gilad's plight was also unbearable. Around the time of the kidnapping, I lost a baby near the end of pregnancy. While I mourned my own loss, I remember thinking that I am lucky compared to the mothers of Gilad, Eldad and Ehud because at least I knew where my baby was and that he was out of harm's way. My loss exacerbated the pain I felt for these missing boys and their families. When news came of Gilad's release it somehow relieved the tension we have all been feeling. Getting him back in a coffin was unacceptable to me, or losing track of him entirely...too painful to imagine. We Jews mourn for all our lost children- including your son, Yosef, Malki, the Fogels, Appelbaums, etc etc etc- the list is long and terribly painful and we are all heartbroken ....Unfortunately in this case the there was no right answer- either way we lose. May Hashem give us the clarity to do the right thing the next time we are challenged.

I believe that it is written somewhere in the holy books what the proper ransom is for a kidnapped person. Surely it's not what the government of Israel just offered. Of course, everyone in their right mind is thrilled Gilad is back. None of this is his fault, he was just a pawn. As miserable as this sounds, parents of kidnapped soilders should not be given too much heed in the decision making aspect of these deals as they are being tortured themselves and, sadly, might not pass this particular test of morality. Some of these parents really lose it altogether (like Cindy Sheenen here in the US). It's the politicians that have to be stronger - they have to look into the holy books as to what is moral and stick to it.

Mrs. Mandell, my heart is with you and all parents that suffer the loss of a child, no matter how they died. Your feelings of betrayal are understandable. If there was a way, we, your brothers and sisters, would bring your son back, too. We don't know what future Gilad holds. In every life, there is the potential for greatness. Perhaps Gilad will be a great Torah scholar, invent a cure, or act as a hero and save lives. Perhaps he will become a politician and his words will change the hearts of people that would otherwise cause harm. Or maybe he will father an amazing child or influence someone else. It's also possible that he'll live out an ordinary existence, with no other apparent major accomplishment. He did have one major accomplishment already, though. He captured the hearts of our people, just as Leiby Kletsky did. But he didn't have to die to do it. This, then, is the message, the one we're giving to G-d: we love our brothers and we value all life, please show us mercy, too. This is a message G-d can't ignore. Will other terrorists try to kidnap our people for ransom? Possibly. Will they try to murder us, just because? No doubt. But G-d runs the show, and it will be G-d that decides if they succeed. We need G-d's mercy, no matter what, and no matter where the thousand prisoners are sitting. As for the death penalty, I'm not thrilled with the concept, but in certain instances, it is called for. If it's going to be done, it should be done before any more of our people are kidnapped, and an additional amendment should be made. For every Israeli that is captured, for every day that they are held, another prisoner sentenced to death, should be put to death. As long as there are no kidnappings, no prisoners should be executed. The death penalty has to be a deterrent, not an act of vengeance. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. If that is the law, it must be done. May G-d bless Israel for all of our efforts to bring our sons home, with peace.

As I undertsand it the majority of the country approves this deal. Israel's political parties want to be relected to office. They would not have made this deal if they believed it would hurt them politically. That said it seems like a mistake to me, and unless there is much more to the deal than is being revealed I agree with you. "Today I am thankful my son’s killers have not been found. So are my children." 'If Israel is willing to free our loved ones’ murderers, then the rest of the world can look on and assume that the terrorists are really freedom fighters or militants.' Very powerful statements! . I admire you on many levels and while I'd understand you leaving I'm glad that you choose to remain in Israel.

My heart goes out to the families of the victims of terrorist acts. No one can dictate to a mother how she should feel in the current situation, when a young soldier who has spent 5 yrs of his youth in a dungeon. He is released thin, emaciated, traumatised. His family must have lived 1000's of deaths daily.

but the shalits won the PR war, just as the Pals beat Israel in the PR war, so the Salits beat you, and those of us who feel like you do. The shalits got funding, they put up their tents and had them manned all the time, they joined every protest, they nagged the media etc etc, while we kept our pain quiet, in our hearts. Unfortunately, the Shalits pressured and bullied Bibi into this swap, politically, with no thought for others. Please dont let anyone tell me that all parents would do this for their children. On strict orders from my son, when he went into a Kravi unit, I would not have done this. I would not have done this to you, to other future mourners, or to our country. I'm pleased Gilad is home, but his parents owe YOU his life.

Gilad Shalit has come home, and a thousand terrorist murderers who have murdered israeli citizens have been released from their prison sentences. This has been such a landmark event in israeli history, that i don't even completely agree with my own opinion on the subject. on the one hand, like many, i am thrilled that gilad shalit been released and returned to his family and loved ones. on the other hand, i am quite the disgusted israeli citizen, watching over a thousand unrepentant killers receiving a get out of jail free card, so to speak. At times like this, reading tehillim becomes an activity fueled both with gratitude and despair. At such times, i find optimism to be the best medicine. Here's a dose of optimistic emunah : IF gam zoo ltova principles indicate that this too is for the good... THEN let us think about how that might be the case: "The World", they can look on and see whatever they would like to see. This is what i see: The Jewish people value life. Sure, we will give you a thousand of yours in exchange for one of ours. Islam can call itself the religion of peace, but even the imams know that that is the greatest lie ever told. The most exponentially expanding social trend in the middle east recently has been arabs killing other arabs. we have now sent back one thousand killers. there are people that didn't think they would be coming back. there were hamas terrorists that have risen in power while these pere odom yishmaelim were away. these killers, already sociopathic enough, now they have overnight become the greatest heroes of militant islam, by killing israelis and then going free after receiving university educations on the israeli tax shekel. hamas and the rest of the "world" were shocked that we value life as much as we do, this is a foreign concept to a culture where some mothers look forward to watching their children blow up to be martyrs. i pray to HaShem that all these killers their din before the eyes of all of Israel. Amen.

We NEVER really punished the terrorists in the Israeli prisons as we really should have. 1- No visitation rights from family 2- no education 3- no entertainment 4-hard labour 5- limited and sparse meals 6- no Red Cross visits etc etc....

It's nice that Gilad Salit is free, but I agree that the price is much too high. What kind of message is being sent to the terrorists - that they should now try to kidnap another Israeli soldier to get more of their murderers released? They can only see this as another act of weakness on the part of Israel. Unless Netanyahu knows something that I don't know, it looks like more encouragemet to Israel's enemies to keep up their acts of hatred and bloodshed.

All your suffering and pain cannot bring back your dearly beloved but you must all understand the pain of Gilad's parents and family day after day, sleepless night after sleepless night, 24 hours a day for more than 5 yrs. living through the hell of not knowing wether their young son is dead or alive and if so how he is being treated. I think that globally as the world views the joyous reunion of this thin, pale, bewildred soldier their hearts go out not only to the great happiness of this reunion with his family, like myself, but also to those like yourselves who are suffering so much because these treacherous murderers have been released. We all understand your anger and feel that it is justified and so unfair the price which we have been forced to pay for Gilad's release but at least now one young Jewish soldier has been safely returned to his home and freedom and reborn into a new life.

If the Muslim terrorists did a heinous crime in Israel, is there no death penalty there?

but til today no terrorist was punished with a death sentence.

unfortunately, no.. Israel only applied the death sentence once to my knowledge, for adolf eichman. i can just imagine the international outrage if they did apply the death sentence.

I am with her in every word she says. And I thank you, Rabbi Shraga, that you printed what she wrote.

The first line in your article, your question, is in error. There are many Israelis that were against releasing so many terror masterminds and cold-blooded murderers even to save one life. Unfortunately, the looney leftists and their followers in Israeli society made such a ruckus about getting one soldier released at any and all costs that the terrorists and Hamas won before anyone was freed. Their price was outrageous and they knew that a segment of our society would insist that it be paid no matter how disproportionate. Believe me, even though we cannot ever really know how you feel, your son's murder has impacted so many people and we all feel a terrible loss -- just as Gilad Shalit is "everyone's son", so were Koby and Yosef. At this point, the terrorists are freed and the only thing that we can do is to prevent future losses. The only real solution is to legislate the death penalty for all terrorists and terror planners. Only when these people are dead do they cease to be a danger to society.

i dont think only terror victims against shalids release every jew who have comine sence should be against the release shalids parents are self centerd they dont give a dam about thier fellow jews or israel may they rott in hell

As a mother I do understand you. Would you feel better if Gilad was killed too? Israel did not betrayed you, it just saved one Jewish life. The government of Israel must change its law: death sentence to all "freedom fighters" for every single killed Jew.

i know how u feel and that is why i am rejoicing for shalit's family - he is innocent - he was a korban for all of us. although the murderers are free - i believe in gd. he will get them - its not the end of the story - they will not live happily ever after. hold on to ur faith

I cannot ever say I understand your pain. However, I am not immune to pain myself. I lost my brother several years ago. Not through terror - so of course it is not the same as your situation, but I have lived through loss in my life. However, Israel is not mocking your son's death. It is a terribly hard decision to make - to release terrorists for a live member of our people, and Israel deliberated over this for years. But one act does not override the other. The death of so many of our people will always remain a searing pain. But keeping their killers in prison, ultimately will not bring comfort. To know that they are out of harms way does bring some measure of relief that they cant attack again, but truth be told, there are thousands others willing to do what they did R"L. Comfort is not borne out through revenge. At the end of the day, G-d is the Ultimate Judge, and He does not forget. Every being will get what they deserve - trust G-d, He will give it to them. But perhaps turn it around - look at it as a merit. Although surely noone would choose as such, but through the death of so many of our brothers and sisters, one of our people has been given the opportunity to live and have a life. Children, grandchildren and indeed a whole world will hopefully come from Gilad and these will all be children of those murdered. Any good deed they will do will be a merit for our "loved ones... six feet underground". And we know the dictum of our sages - "He who saves one life, it is as if he has saved a whole world". So no, it is not that these deaths dont matter, and we are not cheapening their murder, nor are we emboldening the terrorists, and certainly we continue to feel your pain and pray for you and your families. But at the same time, we feel for the Shalits too, and are proud to show the world that every single one of our brothers and sisters are as important to us as an entire world.

No process yet has brought peace. War is inevitable anyway. In that case which side would you prefer the enemies of Israel and Galit S. to be on? NOW they are both on the sides they need to be when that war comes.

Many of us in the Diaspora feel the same as you. We wanted Shalit home. We did not want the enemy freed. Many of us wish Israel had a death penalty to get rid of these poor excuses of humanity. They hate their own children. They hate life. They hate - Period. Do not think you are alone - you are not. Israel needs to deport these poor excuses of humanity out - send them on a leaking boat. But that would be pollution. I do not like the self-hating Jews who supported this openly. No more to Appeasement. Not until Israel is 100% and there is no more enemy on her land.

Either there is more to this than meets the eye or Israel is still in galus and in every real sense.

let the world know what you are thinking and feeling. your is the only voice they will hear. like rachel our matriarch crying to HaShem, that is the "foundation" you will provide for all of us. you are living a terrible test which please Gd will be revealed for the redemption now. you have already proved your courage, strength and articulate voice. shout now!!

If the thought of these terrorists being on the street causes you so much pain, how do you think Gilad's parents felt knowing he was in the hands of these self same terrorists? Is there a difference between those out on the street and those not yet arrested? Is there such a thing as a deterrent to the Arab population? I don't feel that we had any choice in doing this exchange. Leaving Gilad behind in these murderous hands was an unacceptable choice, one that went on for far too long. I am thrilled that we have him back and my only hope is that we now institute the death penalty so we should never be in such a position again HY".

Leaving him there would have been terrible. Getting him out in a way that raises the probability that others will be put in the same position is not necessarily better. When the Maharam m'Rottenberg was imprisoned, the Jewish community was prepared to ransom him. He refused -- the ransom was high and would encourage kidnapping of other rabbis for ransom (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meir_of_Rothenburg). He died in prison and did not come to proper burial for many years after. Today there is a petition of reserve soldiers who do not want a price like this to be paid for them, if they, chas v'chalila, are captured. The death penalty for terrorist murderers might very well help.

Dear Sherri, your sadness and grief is unbearable .... may you be comforted by Hashem at this difficult time.

The only way to reconcile the contradiction between the Shalits' (and the rest of the nation's) joy and the pain of Sherry Mandel and others like her, is to follow up last week's trade with the implementation of a death penalty for terrorists. It is amazing how many people here in Israel agree with me, and none of us are what can be defined as "rabidly Right-wing." We are the mainstream, silent majority, who believe that "enough is enough." Now Hamas is threatening to kidnap more soldiers and why not? They aim for a repeat performance, a 1,000 to 1 swap, and as long as Israel insists on keeping cold-blooded murderers alive in Israeli jails, on the burden of the Israeli tax payer, there will be plenty of criminals available for Hamas to demand in exchange for one poor soldier. Until there is a death penalty, there will be no proper deterrent - and furthermore, no justice. The murderer of the Fogel family has been found and is unrepentant: let him ascend the gallows first. Let justice resound throughout the land.

Dear Sherri and families of terrorists victims, I read your article with great sadness for the feelings of aloneness and abandonement you expressed. I have lived in Israel since 1987 and have cried many tears for our precious Jewish souls who have been lost to terrorist attacks. Though we have never met, the name Koby Mandell conjures up the image of a smiling little boy in a baseball cap; I will never forget the Sbarro pizza attack, or Nachshon Wachsman, or Beit Lid.... I am sorry that victims' families feel isolated and misunderstood.I don't know why HaShem choose Gilad Shalit to be captured by the Barbarians. But I do know that just as Am Yisrael cried for the loss of Koby Mandell, Am Yisrael prayed for the rescue of Gilad. We seemed to put all our prayers into this one neshama. We couldn't save the Fogel family and countless others, but we could pray for Gilad, the Jew who came to represent all our sons and brothers. So please don't feel abandoned by the Jews who supported the prisoner exchange. Feel fortified that just as we love Gilad, we love Koby and his memory. And we love the Mandell family and embrace all victims' families, as well

our family signed the petition not to let out malky roth's murderer. may g-d send us peace in Israel,

Hundreds of us feel exactly the same. Even the soldiers are in agreement. Their morale is no higher if they know that those terrorists who are captured will just be set free at a later date.

u cant make everyone happy. they should have asked a gadol hador, a leading rabbi and listened to their advice - at least they would know it was the right thing to do. now we will always second guess the govt.

Harav Ovadia Yosef shlita gave his consent for the release of so many terrorist for the life of Gilad, n"y.

Hello Sherri, I live here in Israel, I know that Bibi has chosen to '' keep his promise'' to bring Gilad home. This choice will probably provide more votes to him, he feels now more ''popular'' and a lot of ravs admire him, because ''he accepted the risk'' . I understand how unbeareable it is to see such a shame, I have the same impression that he plays with our lives...and ours nerves! Col ha cavod for your courage and your text, which are very mouving.

ur cmment although with the best intentions is quietly hurtful. it makes a parent feel that the murderers were free bec of some selfish motive. while it may be true it is hurtful to a parent - i know - i lost a son. try and be positive or neutral. i agree that the murderers should have been killed so that this could not happen. but that is wishful thinking.

Do not forget that Bibi lost his young brother too. He understand your pain. He did it not for the sake of more votes for him. Yes he accepted the risk and your pain. Not only he will live with this pain. This pain will be in all our hearts for the long time. You shall campaign for the laws to be change: death penalty instead of prison terms.

They need to execute the worst of the terrorists so that they aren't around to be used as bargaining chips.

Is the only effective and morally justifiable response to terrorist killers who, by legal process, are found guilty.

I agree with you in all that you wrote. We too are glad at Gilad`s return but not at that price. Why not demand from amnesty & other such org`s to help out?

May G-d give you the strength to carry on. I agree with your position as do many others. If that's any comfort....

The pain feels by parents whose sons are victims of terrorism (gruesome killing) is no question – it is immeasurable. The difference is that they know their love ones are gone, thus they can start their life as normal as possible against the thought of how gruesome their love ones were killed. On the other hand, the pain feels by parents whose son is victim of terrorism (kidnapping) could be more beyond measure. The difference is that they are blessed they know their love one is alive, but the thought of a love one in the hands of barbarous people could not make them restart their life normally. For the dead victim, one can visit and express their grief at the foot of their graves. The thought of how much he suffered will not stop, and the thought stops there. The lost ones (kidnap victims) where one should go to express his/her grief; and when will the thought stops to think the love one might still be alive – suffering tortures! Which one is more painful and can make you sleepless at nights, “The thought that your love one is barbarously killed, or the thought that your love one is alive, but somewhere in the dark you do not know what kind of suffering he is going through at the moment?”

I don't think it's proper to make comparisons regarding who is the one to suffer most. Regarding Gilad Shalit, I thank G'd that he's home, and am very happy for him and his family. Regarding the released terrorists, it was a terrible thing to do this, and I believe it was a very big mistake. I find it difficult to understand how not everyone realizes this obvious tragedy. And no, thank G-d no one in my family was a victim of terrorism, but pure plain logic points to the fact that releasing murderers is a cruel thing - to those who lost their loved ones at the hands of these murderers, to the soldiers who gave their lives or were wounded trying to capture these murderers, and to those who will eventually suffer at the hands of these same murderers. And to think that there were various alternatives to put pressure on Hamas in order to release Gilad... To you, Mrs. Mandell, and to all the families who are rightfully grieving the release of these terrorists, you are not alone. Many others like me feel that it was a crime to release them. And as for those who don't realize this, may G'd grant them understanding...

Sherry, Just wanted you to know that not all of us are rejoicing about this. People that I have spoken with over the Holiday, as well as myself, are absolutely horrified and disgusted by this immoral act. The Nation of Israel is supposed to be a light unto the nations and stand up against evil. There is something very immoral about releasing these evil murderers back into society. There were many things Israel could have done to get back Shalit, but this should never have been an option. I am so sorry for your pain as well as for all the others in Israel who are suffering with this decision. In the meantime I will continue to pray for Israel's safety. May Hashem protect the Nation of Israel, even though it's government appears to have lost it's moral compass.

In 1995, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in his book "A Place in the Sun," that the release of terrorists is "a mistake the Israeli government repeats time and time again." "From the beginning," he wrote, "I saw the Jibril deal [an earlier disproportionate swap that led to recidivist terror, ed.] a fatal blow to Israel's efforts to form an international front against terrorism. How can Israel preach to the United States and the West they must adopt a policy of non-surrender to terror, when Israel surrendered herself so shamefully? “I was convinced the release of a thousand terrorists would necessarily lead to a terrible escalation of violence, because these terrorists will be accepted as heroes, as an example to be imitated by young Palestinians. ... [that violence] was not long in coming. "It is clear now that the release of a thousand terrorists was one of the factors that provided a pool of fermenting violence and its leaders ignited the fire of the intifada," Netanyahu wrote. What happened? Why did he change his mind? Public pressure? Certainly not the sign of a leader.

It's the PR company hired by the parents who won. The pressure worked and made him every Israeli's child.

Why couldn't the electricity to Aza just be disconected until Gilad's release? Not just for a few hours, like we did. I have no doubt that this simple advice would be successful. The Arabs would have conceeded. Now not only do the victim's families suffer, we all must: more terrorism and the eventual capture of yet other soldiers, G-d forbid.

First, I wish G-d's peace to all afflicted in this ordeal. When one makes that ultimate sacrifice to join the military harm to oneself is possible. Since Israel is in a "war", military personnel must follow the selfless guidelines. They that choose to be murderers of innocent lives should be dealt with in accordance. We have broken the guidance of the Torah by letting these murderers live and be freed. Hashem told us early on to destroy villages and leave nothing alive. When we did not follow HIS INSTRUCTIONS, it came back to haunt us.Mr Shalit thank you for your service. Israeli Government, thank you for your disservice

May you find peace in your soul from the horror of the murder of your precious son. Gilad would not have lived much longer. No other plan was there for him. G-d saved him. G-d will punish those responsible for your young son's death soon and for Gilad's capture. May Gilad grow stronger physically and mentally and be a great leader of Israel someday. His heart has to grieve for your son too and all the others so murdered by the cruel people who had him. May you see the joy of the nation of Israel grow every day as the redemption brings justice for all.

I've always advocated death penalty for terrorists. Some people thought it wasn't really necessary. Jail time would do it. It's ridiculous, expensive and downright immoral and may I also say anti Torah to keep these individuals alive. My question is, is Israel ready to go for it? Or we hadn't learnt a thing? Are the same people who lobbied against the release of Gilad ready to lobby for death penalty?

This is all painful, scary, and shocking. But in truth, God controls these wicked people. He decided who will live and who will die. Everything is up to Him, and only he knows what is for the best. It definitely scares me that 1,000 terorrists were freed, and it isn't up to me to say if it was worth it for Shalit or not. But at least we are telling Hashem, we value Gilad and trust You that if You see it fitting, You will protect us from all harm. May it be Your will, Hashem, that the Jews should never have to be persocuted again, or experience tragedy and suffering. Mat You cast your light onto this world, and give us only blessing, health, happiness, and mitzvot,comfort, and Moshiach.

I know peoples comments on the web are often "interesting" but as a historian with emphasis on law, I see only one solution: The Death Penalty. I have no doubt about it, had Adolf Eichmann been imprisoned for "6 million life sentences" in Israel, he'd have been freed by 1993. NO DOUBT. If you think I'm wrong, add up the life sentences of the released prisoners...not a million but we're talking thousands... You can't free the dead (exchange their bodies next time). Additionally, this also solves the problem of wasting millions in tax dollars. I am deeply pained at the loss of all of the families directly affected by terror as well as everyone else who shares the pain.

You wrote that the prisoner exchange "provides no deterrent and no retribution. It’s as if our government says to the killers: Come hurt us again. We’ll be happy to release you one day." I cannot possibly put myself in your shoes and do not dare to try. BUT...I do have to take issue with the above quoted statement: I believe it is misguided to suggest that the government is inviting the terrorists to strike again, and (chas v'shalom) will be "happy" to release terrorists in the future. Raw emotions on your part are understandable and acceptable. But hyperbole against our fellow Jews in the government is misguided and unacceptable. No one in the government is "happy" about releasing terrorists, and you know it! The best way for you to release the anger is not to malign the good intentions of fellow Jews, but to actively campaign for an automatic death sentence for terrorists, so that there will be none around for whom to exchange.

Why is there no lobby being started right now to get a law passed where terrorists are either killed on the spot or given a death sentence. This should be the first order of business. I hope that steps are being taken to correct this so that no such exchanges are made possible in the future.

If these people were to repent and change their ways there could be peace. However, I am somewhat of a pessimist, so i do not think they will change their ways. The bright side of this is that Israel will come up with a far more effective solution than prison...

Your article explained far better than I ever could have why I am so sickened and revolted by the release of these murderers. This is a sickening surrender to radical Islamic terror which only makes the Jews look weak and pathetic. The Jews don't care about your pain, Mrs. Mandell. That's why they released all these murderers. And they know these murderers will kill again. That's inevitable. So we will have hundreds more dead Jews and hundreds more devastated families like yours - in exchange for one soldier - Gilad Schalit.

This is addressed to those who say, perhaps Israel's exchange means that the victim died in vain: You make an implicit assumption that one's death has meaning. As I understand Judaism, that is absolutely true! Just as life has meaning, so too, does one's death have meaning. But the significance is not political, not contemporary, not personal -- beyond personal. It's infinite. Because in Judaism the meaning of one’s death is, I believe, defined by what it says about one’s relationship to the infinite, to G-d. I don't fully understand it, but when one is murdered solely because one is Jewish, as is true of every victim of terrorism against Israel and against Jews, one dies in sanctification of the holy name of G-d. Regardless of one's background -- frum or frie -- regardless of why he or she was there at Sbarro's. Whether the onlookers or survivors recognize it or not. In Judaism, I believe, it's better to live, if one can make such a comparison, but to die in sanctification of the holy name of G-d is something which no action, statement or sentiment can ever diminish, to the end of time.

May the true Giver, Give you the strength to cope with this pain. It is beyond bearing, and all of our hearts are broken by the pain that you have suffered. Indeed we are amazed at the courage you have shown in thumbing your nose at despair and being creative and proactive in your work to help victims of terror. I am sure that G-d gathers his angels daily, and applauds your wonderful work, and says, look at my children and look what they can do! What is there to say about this deal? Nobody did this deal easily and there is nothing anybody can say to ease all the horrible facets to this deal and i don't think anyone can figure out what the right thing to do would be, but certainly it is very perplexing to seemingly give motivation and rewards for terrorists and their horrible obsession with murder. It is critical to protest, although unfortunately, the dealers didn't have too many options available to them. May we all embrace Hashem's laws and find new life in his ways to help bring Mashiach - May he come quickly in our days and release your pain forever

One of the Palestinians being released today, for example, is Musab Hashlemon, who was given 17 life sentences for a Beersheba massacre he planned in 2004. That massacre occurred just months after an earlier prisoner exchange in which 435 Palestinians went free -- Hashlemon among them. The Jerusalem Post, citing the Almagor Terror Victims Association, noted last week that 183 Israelis have died since 2004 in attacks carried out by terrorists who were previously released. How many more Israelis will now die because the political pressure to bring Shalit home -- at any price -- was more than the Israeli government could resist? There was a time when Netanyahu would have been the first to denounce the mass release of dangerous prisoners. In 2008, he blasted the release, under then-prime minister Ehud Olmert, of some 200 security prisoners as a goodwill gesture toward the Palestinian Authority. "This crossing of a line, this release of murderers, is a dangerous move in the war on terror," Netanyahu thundered in the Knesset. "This weakens Israel and strengthens the terror elements."

As a mother, who has experienced loss, I have no words for your pain. And I am glad you found the words to speak about this injustice when I could not find them. I wanted Gilat home but not at this price. And many of the prisoners are returnig to "their" homes in Israel. Shame on us all for not seeking another solution or speaking up as you did. And I appreciate you not suffering in silence. Your words are being heard. May Hahsem help us find the appropriate resolve.

Dear Ms. Mandell, Please know that it is not only the families of the victims of the terrorists who are against the lopsided prisoner exchange for Gilad Shalit. Most people I have spoken with in Northern NJ are not comfortable with the terms. It is wrong. I care very much for Mr. Shalit and appreciate that to his parents, no price is too great to secure his freedom, but Israel is making a big mistake. Terrorists are not being punished, they are being rewarded. This exchange will only encourage more acts of terror against Israel. Ms Mandell, please know you others in your position are in my heart and thoughts.

Sherri, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though it was many years ago, there are events that bring that pain to the surface. I understand your mixed emotions; wanting Gilad home and wanting justice for your son. I want a world where both are possible. Unfortunately I think we will have to wait for Moshiach for that to happen. When I heard Gilad was free I cried. I cried for joy that he was free and his healing could begin. I cried for our people that we could rejoice at our son coming home. I cried for your son in anger that his killer was freed. I cried in fear that more of our children will suffer. I pray that we will not hurt each other in our pain and demonstrate the value Judaism places on life by this choice.

Will someone please help me to understand the logic behind this exchange? I admit to being under informed in these matters but does anyone believe that those who were jailed by Israel and are now free have become any less determined to fulfill their original mission to destroy Israel? Have we not simply fortified the enemy?

As Ms. Goldstein stated, I also cannot understand the logic of the exchange and release of killers of children of the state of Israel. It maybe be just G-d' will and too complex for us to relate too. Prayers to all victims of terror. May G-d bless Israel and its people and keep them safe from terror. Also please bless the good Ms. Mandell.

Aviva Shalit? Her pain at knowing that her son was trapped in hell was less than a bereaved mother? If anything, I would think even more, because she didn't have the knowledge that, as bad as her pain was, at least her child was at peace. Sherri, what if it was one of your children who had been kidnapped? Wouldn't you expect the Israeli government to take a chance for your child? If, God forbid, it was your child, would you really encourage the government to hold onto the prisioners and leave your child to rot in a hole somewhere?

You are not alone. Many Israelis agree with you, it is a shame the government chose not to listen. We should have found another way to reunite Gilad with his family. May Hashem bless all of Israel, may we know no more terror and war.

My heart goes out to both the Mandell and Shalit families. There are no words to explain the joy for one family and the terrible pain for the other family. We can only say that God has the master plan and yes, it is very painful for those that have lost loved ones through terrorism. It is beyond human comprehension why God does what he does. Let us consider strengthening our trust instead of questioning the ways of God and the reasons or questions. Let us as Jews unite and continue to do good and kindness onto to others so that we encourage positive behavior amongst all of the jewish people. It is our obligation as Jews not to try and figure out the whys but to believe and persevere in our belief and trust that God will protect and watch over all of us.

Sherri, this day has been like a roller coaster. Forgive me for saying that I haven't been able to get enough of seeing the Shalits, reunited, grateful to see Gilad walking, with teeth, with a smile, saluting, every moment. And yet every moment today, every word of prayer, has been laced with an undercurrent: a recognition of the pain that you and others so immediately impacted by terror are feeling, and the fears that we all have. And I am in awe of the walking kiddush Hashem you, and the Roths, and Shmuel Greenbaum, and David Hatouli (not sure of the name but everyone knows who I mean) and others represent, those who live lives of grace and meaning and giving. I have no nechama or words of wisdom to offer. I thank you for representing the Jewish people at our best.

I, along with all of Israel, hurt for all the victims and families of terror victims. The thought of doing something to increase the pain of these victims and families is the last thing that any of us want to do. But Gilad is alive. He was living in a hellhole in the earth only because he swore to protect his country and its citizens. There was no other choice. We must do the right thing and trust that God will see that we have fulfilled our responsibilites and protect us. The worthless terrorists who perpetuated these attacks didn't have "blood on their hands" when they murdered. There will be more attacks. There will be more attempts to kidnap soldiers, not because we released terrorists but just because that's what they do. We must take chances in order to "do the right thing". One of those chances is releasing prisioners to bring Gilad, our son, everyone's son, home. I'm proud of our government for taking this difficult step. The terrorists may strut around for a little while but true justice doesn't come from here, and justice will be served.

It is very unpopular these days to stand up against the prisoner exchange. It seems that the bereaved families are the only ones who have the right to oppose it. I personally don't think it should have gone through, but I find that hard to say publicly. It's hard for me to face the Schalits, and the rest of the country and say - no I don't want Gilad home at this price. Another bereaved mother said that the public has been brainwashed. The Schalits were very successful in getting popular opinion behind them. I don't believe there is an honest public discussion about this issue. It is too hard to stand up against the wave of happiness that is unfolding across the country. My heart goes out to the families of the terror victims.

I am so sorry for your loss. It is inspiring how you took your own pain and turned out something good from it (by starting a foundation and camp to help victims and their families). This article makes me rethink everything . . . perhaps the price Israel paid was too high. Was there any other way to free Gilad? He needed to come home. It is a blessing and I am so empathetic towards him and his family, but I now think the exchange was just wrong on so many levels as well. This is a sad world we live in. All I can say is in the end G-d is the ultimate judge and He will see that you and other victims get the justice you deserve.

Mrs. Mandell, It is not just victims of terror who realize how wrong this deal was. Now that Gilad is at home, and everybody should be thrilled for him and his family, we need to work to change the future. In the last week we have seen over and over again the distortion of two basic Jewish values. 1. Jews make decision with their minds, not their hearts. Everybody knows this is a bad deal. Everybody knows this will, God forbid bring disaster. But everybody feels so bad for the Shalit family and especially Gilad. How many times did we read and hear "What if he were your son?" That is a purely emotionally response. Jews are guided by our intellect. 3 times a day we say "You should KNOW today and return it to your HEART,.." Our knowledge guides our emotions, not vice versa. 2. We've heard over and over again that Jews value life. True. But our Torah, our guide for living, tells us there is an even value, and one that we are commanded to give our life for and that is the sanctification of God's name. When the nations of the world look at us as as week fools, nothing can be a greater desecration of Gods name. It is incumbent upon us to double our efforts to the world, beginning with our fellow Jews these 2 fundamental values of Judaism. Our joy today should be tempered by the knowledge that the overwhelming majority of the Jewish people do not understand and live with these basic Jewish values.

"Why is it that terror victims are seemingly the only ones against the prisoner exchange? While other Israelis are rejoicing, we are in despair." As someone who can't even imagine the pain you suffer day in and day out from your loss, it is very difficult not to feel embittered toward the powers that be who facilitated this asymmetric exchange. It is totally irresponsible and provides yet another incentive to terrorists, much like the evacuation of Gaza did, by rewarding their behavior. I feel like the Israeli people and particularly victims of terror like yourself have been sold out by the very people whose responsibility it is to protect us against these people.

Why aren't the murderers tried in military tribunals and sentenced to death instead of living the life of Riley in Israeli jails? I don't understand your pain, I have no glib words to offer. I hear you. I am a mother and grandma. I also hear Gilad and his family.

Not all terror victims are against the agreement, but certainly not all the opponents of the agreement are terror victims. I have been emphatically against all of the recent agreements and am deeply ashamed of our people and our government who have lost all moral direction. It is not only the sensitivity of the terror victims at stake here. It is not only the future victims of those freed terrorists in question. It is not only the soldier's who have risked their safety to capture these terrorists that bothers. It is not only the emboldening of our arch enemy as they rejoice in their complete victory that stomps on the last trace of pride we once felt. And it is not just the guarantee that our enemies will increase their attempts to kidnap more soldiers in the future. It is all these things plus the complete lack of sense and justice which now portrays us. This has dampened our joy on this the holiday of our happiness. And even seeing the face of a freed soldier cannot erase our feelings of despair. Only our sense that God rules the world and will eventually bring justice and good can give us any sense of comfort.