Reform Rabbis Rejoice at Return of Israeli Soldier Gilad Shalit

NEW YORK CITY, NY--(Marketwire - Oct 19, 2011) - The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the world's largest group of Jewish clergy, issued a statement expressing joy for Sgt. Gilad Shalit's return to Israel after "five years of cruel captivity and isolation by Hamas." The CCAR also expresses concern for ramifications resulting from the release of 1027 Palestinians, many of whom have been involved with murders and other acts of violence against Israel.

According to the statement, the CCAR, which represents nearly 2,000 Reform Rabbis world-wide, Shalit's "release during the Sukkot Festival, zman simchateynu -- our time of rejoicing -- increases our joy seven-fold. Our good wishes and prayers are with Sgt. Maj. Shalit and the entire Shalit family. Our continued sympathy is with the families of the two Israeli soldiers who were killed while Gilad was captured and all those who were lost in subsequent battles to return kidnapped Israelis."

The statement also says, "Jewish law and tradition constantly weigh the balance between the mitzvah of pidyon shvuim and the price that might be paid in any given case, including the negative consequences which might later arise. In this spirit, we recognize the misgivings of those who believe that the release of 1027 Palestinians, many of whom had been involved with the murder of Israelis and other acts of violence... We know that Israel will do all that it can to keep these individuals from returning to acts of terror and call upon the Palestinians, along with Egypt and the other countries to which they will be sent, to do the same."

To arrange a conversation with Rabbi Jonathan A. Stein, President of the CCAR, or Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Chief Executive of the CCAR, please contact Itay Engelman of Sommerfield Communications at 212-255-8386 or itay@sommerfield.com.

The full statement from the CCAR is available below:

Central Conference of American Rabbis Statement on Release of Sgt. Maj. Gilad Shalit
October 18, 2011

"This is the day that God has made -- let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
(Psalm 118:24)

The Central Conference of American Rabbis, the world's largest rabbinical organization, rejoices at the return today of Sgt. Maj. Gilad Shalit. After five years of cruel captivity and isolation by Hamas, denied visits from the outside, including from the Red Cross, he returns to the bosom of family, friends and country. His release during the Sukkot Festival, zman simchateynu -- our time of rejoicing -- increases our joy seven-fold. Our good wishes and prayers are with Sgt. Maj. Shalit and the entire Shalit family. Our continued sympathy is with the families of the two Israeli soldiers who were killed while Gilad was captured and all those who were lost in subsequent battles to return kidnapped Israelis.

Pidyon shvuim, the redemption of captives, is one of our highest obligations, referred to by Maimonides as the greatest of mitzvot (Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Matanot Aniyim 8:10-11). But we also know that Jewish law and tradition constantly weigh the balance between the mitzvah of pidyon shvuim and the price that might be paid in any given case, including the negative consequences which might later arise. In this spirit, we recognize the misgivings of those who believe that the release of 1027 Palestinians, many of whom had been involved with the murder of Israelis and other acts of violence. We share their concerns for the future. We know that Israel will do all that it can to keep these individuals from returning to acts of terror and call upon the Palestinians, along with Egypt and the other countries to which they will be sent, to do the same.

During this festival of Sukkot, we pray that God spread sukkat shalom, a shelter of peace, over Gilad and his family, over all Israel and all peoples of good will and peace.

Rabbi Jonathan A. Stein
President of the CCAR

Rabbi Steven A. Fox
Chief Executive of the CCAR

About The CCAR

The Central Conference of American Rabbis, founded in 1889, is the oldest and largest rabbinic organization in North America. As the professional organization for Reform Rabbis of North America, the CCAR projects a powerful voice in the religious life of the American and international Jewish communities. Since its establishment, the CCAR has a rich history of giving professional and personal support to Reform rabbis, providing them opportunities for study, professional development and spiritual growth beginning while they are still in seminary, through mid-careers, and into retirement. The CCAR is uniquely positioned to meet the ongoing needs of its nearly 2,000 member rabbis (virtually the entire Reform rabbinate) and the entire Reform Jewish community. For more information please visit the CCAR's website at http://ccarnet.org/.