Palestinian Territory
Posted at 10:56am on Mar. 31, 2008 Nearing Two Years Held Hostage: Shalit, Goldwasser, And Regev Still Waiting
Everyone ELSE might have forgotten, but they and their families certainly have not
By haystack
Gilad Shalit, Corporal in the IDF's Armor Corps, was taken hostage by Hamas on June 25, 2006. Hamas was apparently convinced that their "bold" move to cross into Israel and kidnap a Soldier might be enough to force Israel to trade the freedom of "women and youths" from Israeli jails for Shalit's own freedom. [H/T Michelle Malkin]
Israel said no.
Sixteen days later, our Lebanese friends - Hizbullah - saw the opportunity to fire rockets into Israel and take two of their very OWN Israeli Soldiers hostage, planning to use them...again... as bargaining chips. Eldad Regev, and Ehud Goldwasser, were taken on July 12 2006.
Like Shalit, Regev and Goldwasser remain in captivity today.
A war was fought over these kidnappings. Israel fought it poorly in the eyes of some Israelis and others around the world, and those who side with the Arabs in this multi-generational "holy war" watched with glee as Israel was knee-capped by the UN, having been promised they would get their Soldiers back in exchange for ending hostilities.
The hostilities ended, and Israel lived up to their promises. Hamas and Hizbullah did NOT...and these men remain in captivity. So much for the UN. And so much for keeping your word at the bargaining table. Apparently Israel and their terrorist neighbors are held to different standards... and the UN drumbeat of lies and moving targets for international justice and security blathers on.
The rest of us might have moved on, but Israel hasn't forgotten, nor has the families of these men.
Hamas hasn't forgotten either, dredging up Shalit's name anew in hopes of convincing Israel to attack only Military targets...promising they will do likewise AND return Cpl. Shalit to his family's awaiting arms.
Don't count on it happening, and don't count on hearing anything about it from the media OR the UN. Everyone else, save for the Shalit family, the Goldwasser family, and the Regev family has long since moved on.
I remember them today...and my prayers remain with these men and their families...two years running.
