Send Page to a Friend JCRC Calls for Release of Kidnapped Israeli Soldier (June 28, 2006) The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston released the following statement concerning recent events in Israel and the Gaza Strip: JCRC calls for the immediate, unconditional release of Gilad Shalit. Hamas and various Palestinian terrorist organizations in Gaza claimed responsibility for the abduction of Cpl. Shalit. In response to the kidnapping, Israeli troops have moved into Gaza in hopes of rescuing Shalit. "This abduction is the latest episode in a continuous campaign of violence against Israel ever since the disengagement from Gaza last summer," said JCRC Executive Director, Nancy K. Kaufman. On August 22, 2005, Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza strip, removing 9,000 Israeli citizens from the area in order to pave the way towards peace with the Palestinians. Since then, there have been 33 separate terror attacks, including suicide bombings, as well as hundreds of rockets fired into Israel, with Gaza used as a launching point. (For a complete listing of these incidents, please visit the JCRC Advocacy Resources webpage www.BostonIsraelAction.org.) While Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has made efforts to return to negotiations, the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority continues to support and participate in attacks against Israel and her citizens. "Abbas must move beyond words to secure the immediate release of Gilad Shalit," said JCRC President, James Segel. "The Greater Boston Jewish community is keeping Gilad Shalit and his family in our prayers and demands his swift and safe return," added Segel.