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Gilad Shalit’s Captivity Commemorated at Bet David
On Shabbat Korach Bet David Progressive Synagogue in Sandton noted the sad truth that five full years have passed since IDF member Gilad Shalit was kidnapped.
Shalit has been held largely incommunicado for all of that time.
With the encouragement of Bet David’s Sisterhood — who work in cooperation as a twin organization to the young Sisterhood at Jerusalem’s Kol Haneshamah Congregation, an empty chair, draped in a tallit and accompanied by an Israeli and a South African flag were placed on the Bimah.
Bet David’s Rabbi Robert Jacobs called this “a significant mark of solidarity in fulfilment of the mitzvah of pedut shevuyim — redeeming the captives.”
This video was released by Hamas on 9 October 2009:
Netzer Shali’ach Nathanel Gozlan (a Kol Haneshamah member) and IDF veteran was called for an Aliyah on Shabbat morning in place of Gilad Shalit. Before calling Gozlan, Rabbi Jacobs said that “our real power is limited, but the power of prayer is unlimited.”
A mishebeirach, praying for Gilad’s release was added.
ALSO READ ON MY SHTETL:
Gilad Shalit’s PARENTS FILING SUIT against Hamas in Paris earlier this month,
the previous story on BET DAVID’S PLANS, and
Aviva Shalit’s impassioned letter to Gilad and the world THIS IS MY SON!
CAPTION FOR THE PICTURE BELOW: Bet David - Members of the Bet David Sisterhood FLTR - Myrna Margo (WRJ Twinning Liaison for Bet David Sisterhood), Penny Satikge, Monique Fouré, Gail Scheuble, Charmaine Levy, Sue Randall, Monica Solomo
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 20:49.
I think Bet David should be commended on taking a stand, and doing something to give Gilad Shalit a voice. Perhaps all synagogues in South Africa can follow suit, and with support of the National Bodies who are supposed to represent all Jews, add their voices too.
I think Bet David should be
I think Bet David should be commended on taking a stand, and doing something to give Gilad Shalit a voice. Perhaps all synagogues in South Africa can follow suit, and with support of the National Bodies who are supposed to represent all Jews, add their voices too.