Pelosi Statement on Israeli Army Corporal Gilad Shalit

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement to mark the fourth anniversary since Hamas and other terrorist groups attacked, wounded, and kidnapped Israeli Army Corporal Gilad Shalit. Yesterday, the House passed a resolution calling for Shalit’s immediate release and reaffirming Congress’ support for the safety, security, and welfare of the soldiers and families of the state of Israel:

"Today – and every day – the Congress of the United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Corporal Gilad Shalit and all of the missing Israeli soldiers.

"For four years, Gilad Shalit has been held captive contrary to the most fundamental standards of human conduct. Kidnapped at just 19 years old, he has been denied access to medical care. He has not been allowed to contact his family. As noted in the House resolution passed last night, he has been refused the basic rights and humane treatment afforded to all captives under international law.

"Over the past three years, I’ve met and spoken with Gilad’s father, Noam, on a number of occasions. He has told me about the struggle to bring his son home, and I showed him his son’s symbolic dog tags displayed in my office – symbols of Gilad’s life and service, and our hopes for his survival and safe return. When I traveled to Israel, I met with the entire Shalit family and loved ones of other missing soldiers. Each time I go back to Israel and the Middle East, I take the dog tags with me, showing them to other leaders and pledging to never forget their story.

"We continue to offer our support to the family of Gilad Shalit and to the people of Israel. Congress stands united behind a future of peace and security for the Jewish state. We look forward to the day when Israel can realize the hope – ‘hatikvah’ – to be a free people in the Jewish homeland, bound by the traditions of the past and inspired by the promise of a brighter future."