Gilad Shalit: Who's Blurring the Lines?

by TheLandofIsrael.com

By comparing the release of captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit with 1000 terrorists, the media is creating a lie.

You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video.

Click here if you are unable to view this video.

Published: October 30, 2011
Hear related audio on this topic."

Give Tzedakah! Help Aish.com create inspiring
articles, videos and blogs featuring timeless Jewish wisdom.

Visitor Comments: 21

(15) Anonymous, November 10, 2011 2:03 AM

Libi B'mizrach

Hashem Yivareich et Amo Ba'shalom

(14) philipzhao, November 7, 2011 3:55 AM

Devine scheme

Man proposes, G-d disposes !!

(13) ayla, November 6, 2011 5:30 AM

The paradox of the young woman

How paradoxical it is that the woman, Ahlam Tamimi, who assisted in the bombing of the pizza place, is completely remorseless when told about the children who were killed because of her actions. She smiles, apparently pleased with herself. As a young woman, she should be protective of children, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, but is instead delighted that she has destroyed little lives. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, her people celebrate their own children as suicide bombers. Either you believe that life is a blessing and a gift, or you believe in nothingness. Her heart is empty, there is no love for anything worthwhile there.

Anonymous, December 18, 2011 3:22 PM

Sickening

I agree with you completely, this woman is dead. There is no glimmer, no spark of nor any minimal understanding concerning her actions and what they say about her, her life. the g-d she believes in is Death, and so she is already. She should truly be locked away for life, and or tried for crimes against humanity - there is simply no other possible recourse - in a "normal" world, where all human beings are considered equal.

(12) Anonymous, October 31, 2011 4:43 PM

Don't blame "the media"

It's very easy to blame "the media" for this comparison, but the Israeli government sets up such a narrative itself when it is willing to release hundreds of murderers for a single soldier. Indeed, when Israel is willing to release so many before they've served out their terms, an outside observer (who doesn't know these prisoners' crimes the way the Israeli government does) does not have to be antisemetic to conclude that "they must not have done anything so bad." In fact, it seems to confirm our enemies' characterization of these as "political prisoners."

(11) David Weinberg, October 31, 2011 7:24 AM

Great article

One must bear in mind the words of another hater of people, Bilaam the prophet, who accurately described the Jewish People as "am levadad yishcon" (trans: a nation that dwells alone). Whilst the aish video is completely correct and appropriate, that description of the Jewish People by Bilaam ought to be borne in mind when listening to/ reading the veiled (and sometimes obvious) antisemitism in the world's media. And to the united antisemites (trans: UN) and their cohorts, just remember that Israel/ Jews are the miner's canary - whatever happens to us first will happen to you next.

Beverley Pekema, October 31, 2011 10:09 AM

# David Weinberg you're so right

love you analogy 'miner's canary' and yes, I am fully in agreement with you - the Jewish people are a Nation set apart by G_d himself, so the description by Bilaam was apt.

(10) meme, October 30, 2011 10:27 PM

What a beautiful way to end the video, AM ISROEL CHAY! They will murder we will save.

(9) Anonymous, October 30, 2011 7:43 PM

WOW. What an amazing video.....gave me chills

(8) Abraham L. Seiman, October 30, 2011 7:07 PM

How can any rational, compassionate and ethical person not comprehend the difference of this action with the concepts of morality, fairness and equality? Life is LIFE regardless of religion, race or faith and beliefs!

(7) Mendy, October 30, 2011 5:27 PM

This is SUCH an important video!!!

Everyone that sees this video has an obligation to send it to everyone they know... especially friends and family on college campuses. Incredible job!

(6) Ben, October 30, 2011 5:17 PM

1 for a 1000 more deaths.

Many of the 1000 released will kill, maim and cause untold suffering to many innocent people over the the years to come. This exchange was not worth the price all of us will have to pay.

(5) Anonymous, October 30, 2011 4:54 PM

Why are murderers not executed?

When criminals are convicted, without a doubt, of heinous crimes, many states/countries will execute them. Why were these monsters allowed to live? If, they were executed, the only criminals that were returned, would be the ones with no blood on their hands.

(4) Anonymous, October 30, 2011 3:58 PM

It is great that Gilad is back, safe and sound (as much as he can be). What next? To prevent more kidnaping of Israelis, perhaps Israel should release ALL (or almost all) the remaining prisoners, make it a big international event, cover it by many statements about good will and free mind of Israel - carefully distibute the prisoners to Gaza, West Bank or wherever - and, that way, give them no excuses for any more kidnaping or attacking. But, if despite this, they still perform terrorism, the world will have no choice but to stand by Israel when it goes for revenge!

carole, October 30, 2011 9:55 PM

It would be rather dramatic

I agree with anonymous. Although at most levels this would seem ridiculous. If the enemy has nothing more to ask and receives all it wants - clearly out in the open and well documented - once they continue to attack Israel the world will have no choice but to see Hamas, etc for what they are. Terrorists, thugs and liars with a desire to destroy human life and all of Israel.

(3) Anonymous, October 30, 2011 2:57 PM

Worthwhile, perhaps, but not worth risk of others in peril

Gilad Schalit's freedom is worthwhile, but it is not worth the resultant risk of death, maiming or kidnapping of hundreds or thousands of other Israelis in swapping his life for that of 100 known and convicted terrorists and murderers. You state "he deserved it and needed it: -- do the future victims "deserve and need" the horrors that await them as a result of this act? I think not. Perhaps you do not understand Jewish morality as the Jewish sages have stated it in no uncertain terms.

(2) l.simonsohn, October 30, 2011 2:54 PM

We welcome Shallit home

however a better solution would have been to hang 10 convicted killers per week till the release of Gilad

Kerry, October 30, 2011 4:13 PM

Amend Israel's Capital Punishment Law

This must be changed to avoid another aberration of JUSTICE.

Anonymous, October 30, 2011 6:39 PM

Simonsohn is absolutely correct.

I agree with I. Simonsohn's suggestion. If they threaten to kill Shallit, answer that you'll hang all the prisoners. After is one Israeli is worth over 1,000 terrorists, then his death will merit death of the same terrorists. Very logical.

(1) Anonymous, October 30, 2011 2:04 PM

Gilad Shalit

Dear AISH: No matter what the exchange was, I am 100% rejoicing that Gilad Shalit was reunited with his parents. He deserved that and needed it. I wish there was something we could sign which would show our support to Gilad Shalit and his family, in that we feel he was worth the exchange. Whatever comes hereafter is in the hands of HaShem. Those who are making a fuss, need to put themselves in Gilad Shalit's place and understanding his pain and suffering. One Israeli life is worthwhile.

Anonymous, October 30, 2011 5:47 PM

who really believed???? tell the truth

Who believed that he would come back alive? Who in their hearts knew that the davening would pay off? There is a lot of credit going to govt and condemnation at the same time. Perhaps we should all REALLY look at ourselves, our emunah and remember who really does run the world. It's not Netanyahu - he is one of Hashem's many many puppets & no matter who was going to be the success in getting Gilad's freedom at its' right time - was not in charge. I hope the family, in all their anguish whilst aiding him in rehabilitating also remember who brought their son back to them. The exchange was worth it - the arabs know they have been humiliated by the swap and like last time the freed terrorists will be dealt with. It should be soon and we should all try to strengthen ourselves to bring moshiach and all those who died for the arab cause, back to us SOON!

See All Comments