Approximately 5,000 Raanana residents participated in the municipal solidarity rally on behalf of Gilad Shalit, held this past Saturday at the Raanana Park roller rink.  The rally was organized by Mayor Nahum Hofree, his deputies and city council members and was attended by the Shalit family members who came to Raanana on their journey from Mitzpeh Hila to the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem.  The Raanana Municipality provided the residents a free shuttle to and from the rally.

The rally was a show of support by many Raanana residents who identify with the public struggle of Noam and Aviva Shalit to free their son.

At the rally, the mayor, Deputy Mayor Ronit Weintraub (Culture, Youth and Leisure), Noam Shalit all spoke as did Attorney Uri Slonim who has worked for many years on behalf of Israel’s POWs and MIAs.  Deputy Mayor Aryeh Friedman recited the prayer for the welfare of IDF soldiers.

Mayor Nahum Hofree moved the crowd when he said:  “Today, we are all one people, responsible for the fate of Gilad.  Gilad is the soldier of each and every one of us.  Noam and Aviva Shalit, all of Raanana’s residents embrace you today and you are in our hearts.  We will be with you until the happy moment when you once again hug your Gilad.  Be strong on your journey.”

Last Sunday, Raanana Municipal Inspectors joined the Shalit family journey and marched for 11 kilometers along the coastal road to Herzliya, holding signs.

In the photos:  The Mayor and the Shalit family members during the rally.  Photographer:  Motti Ben Aroya.  Municipal inspectors marching with the Shalit family; Courtesy of the Raanana Municipality.