Gilad Shalit is a young man who had been held captive by Hamas for the past 1772 Days. On June 25, 2006 terrorists infiltrated through a tunnel into Israeli territory and attacked the tank where he was staying. Gilad Shalit, the fourth soldier in the tank, was wounded and taken prisoner into the Gaza strip. Shalit's captors were members of the Aizaden al Qassem Brigades of Hamas.

      At age 12 Gilad wrote a children's story called "When the Shark and the Fish First Met" - a symbolic and hopeful story about a meeting between a young fish and a young shark who decide to be friends despite the tension and rivalry between their families. The story expresses the longing of every child to join hands with his neighbor and live in peace. 

       Hamas has refused requests from the International Committee of the Red Cross to allow the ICRC to visit Shalit on the grounds that any such visit could betray the location where Shalit is being held. Several human rights organizations have stated that the terms and conditions of Shalit's detention are contrary to international humanitarian law.

      Signing this petition and making Gilad an Honorary Citizen may not bring him home, it may not be able to erase the longing eyes plastered on his parents faces, it may not be able to answer his cries, but it does show him and his family that we care. Signing this petition means you will not stand idly by as our brother is held captive. Signing this petition means you know Gilad is in captivity. Signing this petition means Gilad is with you each and every day. Signing this petition means you believe: 

גלעד עדיין חי. Gilad is Still Alive. Please forward this petition to your family and friends.