Jewish communities of Europe join the protest

Families of the kidnapped soldiers: "Europe must get a life sign from our sons!"

 This Wednesday: Solidarity rally with the kidnapped soldiers in Brussels

On Wednesday, Nov 29th, at 14.00 (Brussels time), thousands of Jews from all over Europe will participate in a solidarity rally in front of the European parliament's building in Brussels during its opening session Their demand: European countries, who signed the 1701 resolution of the UN Security Council, must take responsibility and promote the return of the kidnapped soldiers. In preparation for the rally, family members of the kidnapped soldiers have asked to meet with some leading European politicians and figures. Only a few have agreed so far.

Due to the dead end in the public international efforts to receive a life sign from the kidnapped soldiers in Lebanon, the public campaign for the release of the kidnapped soldiers has decided to focus its actions on convincing Europe to pressure for a life sign from the soldiers and their immediate release. The first action will take place this Wednesday in front of European parliament's building in Brussels during its opening session at 14.00 (Brussels time).

Thousands of Jews and representatives of Jewish communities all around Europe will participate in a solidarity rally with the three kidnapped soldiers – Udi Goldwasser, Eldad Regev & Gilad Schalit – & their families in Brussels. They will demand the immediate intervention of European countries for their release. In the meantime, representatives of the Public Campaign have requested to meet with several European leaders in order to ask for their help in this painful humanitarian issue.

Chairman of the European committee for the kidnapped soldiers and head of "Ziyona" organization, Mr. Roger Pinto, who initiated the rally together with the Public Campaign for the Release of the Kidnapped Soldiers and the Jewish Agency & World Zionist Organization, said that "the specific positioning and timing of the rally were chosen with the aim to pressure the European countries who signed the 1701 resolution of the UN Security Council, and therefore are responsible for the wellbeing and safe return of  Udi & Eldad.

Europe also assists  the Palestinian authority, where Gilad Schalit is being held, and therefore is obligated to help in his release as well. The Public Campaign for the Release of the Kidnapped Soldiers reported that "After four months without any information about the wellbeing and whereabouts of soldiers, it is about time that the European countries who signed the 1701 resolution will fulfill their moral and legal obligation to do anything in their power to promote the return of the soldiers".

 "We have decided to focus our efforts on promoting this matter by supporting the three families and by raising worldwide awareness to this painful issue," said Mr. Zeev Bielski, Chairman of the Jewish Agency & World Zionist Organization. "We work together with the Jewish communities through our emissaries, to organize solidarity events and explanatory initiatives around the world."

Miki Goldwasser, the mother of Udi, said this morning: "I expect any European leader who can help us to do so immediately. The delicate political situation in Lebanon and Gaza is enhancing the danger for their lives with every day that goes by. We are willing to meet anyone who can help us bring Udi, Elded & Gilad home."

For details:
Shmuel Elgrably, Israel – 050-5401410 or
Talia Goren, Israel - 050-7405196