October 18, 2011 / 20 Tishrei 5772

His capture shocked the State of Israel: One of us, a young man, only 20 years old, pictured while wearing large glasses and in a uniform a bit too large. A son, brother, friend and soldier, kidnapped while doing his duty within the borders of his country, on the 25th of June 2006. 

More than five years have passed and Gilad Shalit's picture and name have been engraved in our hearts and in our consciousness. The tireless efforts of many ultimately paid off. Throughout the long ordeal, his family, friends and the people of Israel never stopped hoping that Gilad would be OK and that he would return home to the embrace of his friends, family and the entire nation.

That day has finally arrived. Gilad's dream, and that of all of us, has come true. We wait anxiously to greet our returning hero.

We at the Jewish Agency, join the Shalit family and the entire nation of Israel, in welcoming Gilad home.

To read Misha Galperin's Musings on Pidyon Shvuim (redemption of captives) and Gilad Shalit, please click here.