On Third Anniversary of his Captivity, Conference of Presidents Urges President Obama to Take Steps to Secure Gilad Shalit's Release

New York, June 24, 2009 … On the eve of the third anniversary of the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations urged President Barack Obama to take steps to secure his release, including pressing Egypt and other countries in contact with his Hamas captors to act.

“While we know that efforts have been made in the past by representatives of the United States, we would strongly urge that all avenues be utilized, particularly to press Egypt and other Arab states that have contact with his Hamas captors, to secure his release. Israel has indicated that it is willing to be forthcoming in releasing prisoners and other gestures. As long as Shalit remains a hostage, progress will be impeded,” wrote Chairman Alan Solow and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein.

Shalit was kidnapped on June 25, 2006, by Hamas terrorists in a cross border raid from the Gaza Strip. He has been held in total isolation without visitation by the International Red Cross or others.

Conference of Presidents leaders expressed their support and solidarity with Shalit’s family, noting the three years of agony and uncertainty to which they have been subjected. “Gilad’s family has suffered greatly during this time not knowing the fate and well being of their son. As a father, you can well imagine the pain and suffering they are enduring,” wrote Solow and Hoenlein.