While Israel seems to be in a premature state of euphoria over the as yet unscheduled release of Gilad Shalit, a letter he wrote two to three months after his capture was publicized Tuesday night. Shalit wrote the letter to his parents, and it was transferred to Israel through Egypt by diplomatic officials with the goal of beginning negotiations towards his release.
The emotion filled letter, which is painful to read, begins, "To my mom and dad, my brothers and friends, I send you my regards."
"My health deteriorates from day to day, especially mentally, and it causes me many instances of depression. I await the end of this intolerable and inhuman nightmare that I'm in, especially as my 20th birthday passed, which I had hoped we would celebrate together," the letter from Shalit continues.
"I ask of my government, especially Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz, to do all they can to bring about my speedy release, because every day that passes hurts me more," Shalit's letter continued, "and I ask them to answer the requests of al-Mujahideen that arrested me in a tank near Karem Abu-Salem. I hope you do all you can to allow me to celebrate Rosh Hashana and Sukkot at home."
This is the first letter of three that were transferred until now from Shalit to the leaders of Israel. In addition, a taped message was sent to Israel, in which the captured soldier is heard speaking.
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