Peres tells Schalit's parents important not to lose hope

Noam Schalit says president told them to take a break from campaigning, but there is still too much to be done and Gilad can not take a break while in captivity.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Peres Schalits (photo credit: Amos Ben Gershom)
Peres Schalits
(photo credit: Amos Ben Gershom)
President Shimon Peres hosted the parents of kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit at Beit Hanassi on Wednesday.
Peres told Noam and Aviva Schalit that Hamas is a difficult enemy but it is very important not to lose hope and to continue the fight to secure Gilad's release.
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The president said "I am proud of the noble way that you [Noam and Aviva] fight for the return of your son Gilad and I am proud of the Israeli public for supporting you. However I have one request: don't tire yourselves out, the struggle to return your son is not yet over and you need time to regain your strength so that we can continue to fight with all our strength until your son, and the son of all of us, is returned."
Noam Schalit responded by saying that Peres received them with an open heart and advised them to take a break from campaigning and enjoy the Rosh Hashana holiday.
"We promised that we would consider his [Peres] request but unfortunately we have not yet reached a situation that allows us to take a break," Noam stated. "Obviously Gilad does not have the opportunity to take a break while he is captivity," Schalit continued.