Campaign underway for Gilad Shalit

Staff Report

Issue of Jan. 30,2009 / 5 Shevat 5769

Assemblyman Tom Alfano has begun a letter-writing campaign on behalf of Gilad Shalit, calling for the United Nations to intervene in demanding his release.

Alfano is partnering with dozens of synagogues and other organizations, and the joint efforts are being concentrated on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

“Would any of us in the United States stand for one of our soldiers being kidnapped, dragged into a tunnel and being held hostage for close to three years by terrorists?” Alfano asked.

“We all know that the answer to that and the fact that international pressure isn’t excruciating on Hamas and their supporters is disgraceful... Gilad Shalit must be released now without further delay.

Some of the local institutions which have already joined Alfano include the JCC of West Hempstead, Young Israel of West Hempstead, Chabad of West Hempstead, and Yeshiva Gedolah.

Anyone who would like to participate in the campaign should call the assemblyman’s office at (516) 437-5577 or e-mail him at alfanot at assembly.state.ny.us.