An Israeli son comes home

October 19, 2011 - 9:37 AM by David

It was one of those surreal days, like during the World Cup when you can hear the games coming out of every window walking down the street. Except this time it wasn’t just a goal at stake, but a human life.

I watched the beginning of the events of the day that IDF soldier Gilad Schalit was released from Hamas imprisonment after almost five and a half years from the cozy confines of my bedroom TV with my wife and one of my sons at around 6:15 am. The three regular TV networks here – Channels 1,2 and 10 provided non-stop coverage and commentary.

Having some errands to do, I dragged myself away from the addicting scenes unfolding (when will Gilad cross from Gaza to Egypt, when will the first photos be shown?) and went to the local mall.

I arrived just in time to join about 30 people crowded in front of a TV at the ice cream parlor in the mall’s central expanse, as we watched that first footage of a pale, thin Schalit being escorted by Hamas and Egyptian handlers to his freedom. There weren’t many comments, aside from an occasional ‘wow’ or a gasp or sigh. We all knew it was a scene that would stick with us for the rest of our lives.

But I had banking to attend to. And when I finished my other errands and returned home, I joined my family (this being Hol Hamoed Succot after all) in driving to the grimy central city of Ramle for a short walkabout its Old City and a (very cool) rowboat ride in a giant Crusader-era giant water cistern.

Walking along the streets after heading back to a recommended hummous restaurant, we stopped at a sidewalk café and watched along with the other patrons the footage of Schalit walking off the helicopter at the Tel Nof Air Force base and being greeted by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who then brought Schalit to a reunion with his father. Again, all eyes riveted, without comment, watching something we hadn’t been convinced would ever happen.

By the time I got to work later in the afternoon, I was able to watch the last part of the journey – Schalit’s homecoming to Mitzpe Hila, where he and his family were greeted by throngs of supporters. It was even better than the World Cup – it was the day Gilad Schalit came home.

Share with others