Free Gilad Now!  Free Gilad Now!  Free Gilad Now!  The words resonated among the buildings of downtown Atlanta on Thursday, November 11th as hundreds congregated in Centennial Olympic Park to call for the freedom of kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit.

Hundreds of men, women and children armed with flags and colorful banners listened to impassioned speeches, watched heart wrenching videos and stood together in song and chant all for Gilad Shalit, Israel’s unforgotten son.

Rabbi Lee Buckman of Greenfield Hebrew Academy and Rabbi Adam Starr of Congregation Young Israel of Toco Hills collaborated with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast United States to organize the event.  Over fifty organizations sponsored it.

“Today we say to the Shalits that we will never abdicate our duty to bring Gilad home.  We will shout loud enough so that our promise will resound in the ears of every young Israeli child who one day will be called to defend the Homeland of the Jewish people.  We will shout loud enough so that every 18-year old Israeli soldier is assured that one life means everything,” said Rabbi Buckman. continue reading…

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