Not a dry eye in Israel today.Noam and Aviva Schalit can fold up their protest tent.
Now our boy is home.
"N" is for nachat.
Nachat in Hebrew means contentment.
But if you say it the Yiddish way, nachas, it becomes more a feeling of pride in the achievements of your children or even in your own doing good by helping someone or some organization.
I watched the Israel TV coverage of Gilad's return today from 7 am to 9 pm, and there were many times I was filled with nachas--from Gilad and all who worked to bring him home.
When my laptop screen showed our first glimpse of Gilad, I instinctively reached for his cheek and cried out "Oi, Neshama!!!" with tears of joy.
Noam said tonight that they have experienced the rebirth of a son.
Gilad is everybody's son; yours too.
Watching the step by step process of the prisoner exchange all day has been emotionally exhausting.
Now I can go to sleep, knowing the boy is safely home with his family, in his own bed, in their home in the Galilee.
Baruch matir asurim, blessed is he who frees the captives.
Baruch podeh umatsil, blessed is he who redeems and saves.
.
.
(The Ns here are shared with the friends at ABC Wednesday.)
Great news! I can only imagine how happy his family is.
ReplyDeleteI'm very pleased for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day for Gilad and his family! And other Israelis.
ReplyDeleteIt was so touching to follow his release via Twitter. I have seen it on TV later tonight.
It has also been written much in Norwegian newspapers today about this.
God bless him and Israel!
He is so young. But did they exchange 100 for one? Not very fair exchange.
ReplyDeleteAnn, no, the ratio is one Israeli for 1,077 Palestinian prisoners.
ReplyDeleteThe first group of 477 was released today. The rest will be freed in two months.
Beautiful, Dina. I am so relieved to know it actually happened, at last. I am going to see what I can find here in our TV news about it right now. What a marvelous day. Welcome home, Gilad!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for Gilad's family and friends, for you and for his nation!
ReplyDeleteThank god. Welcome home Gilad, welcome home.
ReplyDeletePatience, concentrated strength.
ReplyDeleteNewspapers did report even over here about it. Concratulations. Please have you all a good Wednesday.
Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
"Noam said tonight that they have experienced the rebirth of a son.
ReplyDeleteGilad is everybody's son; yours too." That is so true.
Every time someone's son goes into the army for his annual service, the parents must be feeling the Schalits' pain and exultation.
I was driving my car listening to the news and shouted "YEEES" when I heard he was freed and then I thanked God for his mercy that Gilad had survived.
ReplyDeleteIda in Sweden
yes.
ReplyDeleteour child is home!
a world is redeemed and hope shines bright
happy for his family, tho the exchange was controversial.
ReplyDeleteRejoicing with you all!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy and relieved it went well. Everyone is to be commended. Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteHe is on the front page in Newspapers here too.
ReplyDelete5 years is a looooooong time!
I'm so glad for him and his family.
ReplyDeleteMany news here in Italy too.
I have followed the news, Dina. He seems to be so weak...
ReplyDeleteFriends, thanks for all your good wishes for Gilad.
ReplyDeleteJM, I think that Vitamin D supplements and his mother's cooking will make Gilad stronger. Not seeing sunlight for over five years can be so bad for physical health. And having no chance for exercise, and not enough food probably.
This morning TV caught a glimpse of Gilad out for a little walk in his village, accompanied by Mom and an army doctor. Police kept the many well-wishers from all over the country back behind the barricades near the Shalit house. They need some privacy now.
It has been beautiful to watch the reunions from a distance on BOTH sides -- certainly Israel has every right to celebrate Gilad, but watching Palestinian families welcome home captives who have been away for 30 plus years was incredible as well. I hope this leads to continued peace in the region.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Welcome home!
ReplyDeleteNostalgic, is one of my ABC entries. Come by any time you get a chance. Have a great day!
Ben, shalom! Yes, it must be nice for folks across the ocean to see the Palestinian prisoners freed. I hope they will enjoy their freedom and settle down to a normal life with their families.
ReplyDeleteSome of us here will one day be killed, however, when some of them return to terrorism.
Just today, the woman prisoner who was returned to Gaza told the dozens of girls who came to visit her that she hopes they will become suicide bombers and shahidim/martyrs just like she tried to be (but failed when her explosive belt did not explode).
sigh . . .
Ann, sorry, my mistake: I mean to write 1,027 will be exchanged for our one Gilad.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is young. Gilad was 19 when he was kidnapped. Now he is 25.
It happened at last, at a heavy price for other families, but it happened. Welcome home, Gilad! I can only imagine the happiness of his family and friends!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the boy and his family. I hope that 1000 did not become more dangerous while in prison.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ben that both sides must be glad to welcome their children home.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post and tribute Dina. What a wonderful day this is for Israel and for the Shalit family.
ReplyDelete