Gilad Shalit and the Concept of Pidyom Shvuyim

At the current time in Israel, a debate is taking place over what to do with the life of Corporal Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas and its forces in Gaza on June 25, 2006. For almost 3 and a half years, Gilad has sat somewhere in Gaza awaiting his fate, either death at the hands of Hamas, or a rescue by the Israeli government. For almost all that time, and against all sorts of international human rights laws, no one has known Gilad's fate. For three years no one knew if he was alive or dead, and no signs of life were given until September 14, when Hamas handed over a video of Gilad, in exchange for 20 female Palestinian prisoners. The video showed that he was alive and in surprisingly good shape, and this gave extra energy to the movement to release him, and especially to his parents, Noam and Aviva Shalit.

The reason for sending thismessage out today is that it seems that Israel, Hamas, and the government of Egypt as a mediator, are almost on the brink of deciding on a deal with regard to releasing him. There are differing reports about what may be done, and there is much speculation from both sides. As it stands at the moment, the Hamas leadership in exile in Damascus is deliberating on an Israeli offer to release 450 soldiers in return for Gilad, and the next few days will be particularly telling with regard to Gilad's fate.

In Judaism, there is a concept called Pidyon Shevuyim with regard to the redemption of those held captive. This concept exemplifies the value that Judaism places on the preservation of human life, and our tradition of redeeming captives is an honoured one.

There is a debate about how relevant Pidyon Shevuyim is in a modern setting, and there are arguments for and against the lengths we must go to in order to insure the release of these soldiers. Those arguing that we must negotiate with terrorists and trade prisoners to negotiate the release of our brothers claim that the ultimate value in Judaism is human life, and that all Jewish rules are broken in the preservation of that life. However, those arguing against the idea of a prisoner trade, those who feel that we must not attempt to redeem our soldiers, believe that negotiating with terrorists and capitulating to their demands only gives them ammunition to abduct more soldiers from Israel. If their demands are met, then this unending cycle of kidnappings will continue unabated.

You must naturally form your own opinion regarding what must be done to save these soldiers. The State of Israel has protested these actions, and has sought diplomatic resolutions through international cooperation to respond to such immense and deliberate provocation. There is only so much that can be done, but ultimately, when the game of politics is through, we must believe in the power of humanity, and trust that G-d is protecting these unfortunate souls, and ensuring their safe return.