New York, NY – When Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg marched arm in arm with Gilad Shalit’s parents in the 2009 Salute to Israel parade in New York, he sported a button demanding freedom for Mr. Shalit, the young Israeli soldier who had been captured by Hamas in June 2006.
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When the mayor traveled to Israel in October, not long after Mr. Shalit was released in a prisoner exchange, he presented an American flag to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and asked that it be given to Mr. Shalit’s family as a sign of solidarity. Mr. Bloomberg also vigorously defended Jerusalem’s decision to release more than 1,000 Palestinian soldiers in exchange for Mr. Shalit.
So perhaps it was not surprising that Mr. Shalit would show up at City Hall on Monday, the sixth anniversary of his capture, to visit Mr. Bloomberg for a brief ceremony.
The mayor was joined by Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker, who had proclaimed Gilad Shalit Day in New York on Sept. 7, 2011. Together, the mayor and the speaker presented Mr. Shalit with a crystal apple, donated by Tiffany’s.
“Don’t throw it at something,” Mr. Bloomberg joked.
Thank G-d Gilad is alive and healthy. If I were him, however, I would only shake the hands of decent men. Mayor Bloomberg was the head cheerleader during the eleventh hour talks for the Gay Marriage Bill during which time his 102 year old mother passed away. I am sure he still does not get it. I hope that Gilad washes his hands real well.
Reply to #2 : It just seems that way to liberals like yourself who resent being force – fed truth. Unfortunately, there is no other way to dispense it to them.
No offense, but these Israelis are too casual. You don’t go to the Mayor of NYC in a plaid shirt you go in a suit. And, at least tuck your shirt in. Sheesh!
not a very attractive photo: shaking hands across a table?
There is no black and white in this life or world for that matter. Gilad lived through hell (almost real hell). So my heart goes to him. Muderers that were released because of him is another side of the coin. In any event it was nice of Mayor to do what he did.