Back in Israeli uniform, Gilad is welcomed by Benjamin Netanyahu

Speaking exclusively to the Jewish Telegraph yesterday while waiting for his son’s release from Gaza after five years imprisonment, Noam Shalit said: “Our family appreciates British Jews’ help so much.

“Thank you. The support has been amazing, as it has been from around the world.”

Various British Jewish and Zionist organisations have campaigned for the soldier — who was kidnapped by Arab terrorists Hamas in the Gaza Strip in July, 2006.

‘I thought I’d be held for years’

Welcome home, son! The newly-released Gilad Shalit is reunited with his father Noam

AFTER five years in a Gaza hellhole, Gilad Shalit stepped to freedom yesterday and said he thought he might have been held in captivity for many years to come.

His first comment after being swapped for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners was made on Egyptian television.

The freed Israeli soldier looked shocked and distressed as he was interviewed shortly after being released into Egypt on his way back to Israel . . . and the loving arms of his never-give-up parents Noam and Aviva.

Asked by an Egyptian reporter how he was feeling, he replied: "I am nervous."

Was price of Shalit release too high?

BY ALEX ZATMAN
& DAVID SAFFER

HI, MOM: An ecstatic Gilad Shalit phones his mum and dad Noam and Aviva from Egypt . . . before being helicoptered to a reunion with them at an Israeli air force base

ISRAELI soldier Gilad Shalit’s release is a positive step for the country, but Manchester’s Jewish community has warned of the consequences of releasing Palestinian prisoners with “blood on their hands”.

The Jewish Telegraph spoke to members of the community across north Manchester as Gilad prepared to return to his family in Mitzpe Hila, northern Israel.

Martine Vaizman said: “I’m delighted for the family and for him, but given that Hezbollah sent documents to Hamas telling them how to negotiate with Israel, it is a frightening prospect.

“And now they might look to take more prisoners to see what else they can get.

“But Israel is amazing for doing it — you have to think, how would you react if you were Gilad Shalit’s parents?”

Israel-born Amos Vaizman told the Jewish Telegraph: “I hope all the prisoners who get released are tagged and are going to be followed.

“It’s easier, more legitimate, to punish them when they’re out of prison.

“And with them out of prison it actually saves Israel money because looking after them costs a lot.”

He also warned that the prisoners are likely to cause further trouble after their release, “but the fact is that even if it were one million prisoners, one Israeli life is worth more than all of them”.

He added: “Gilad has missed everything that anyone free has enjoyed, and we have to be careful with him in the state he will probably come out in.”

Avi Stern said: “It’s good news, but I wouldn’t want to be making the decisions. And no matter what happens with the prisoners, there are plenty of others waiting to volunteer for the terrorists.

“I don’t think Gilad’s release will change much in the Middle East equilibrium, but who am I to say?”

Shaltiel Radai added his pride at the soldier’s return.

“It’s a big thing to happen,” he said. “Bringing him home is important for the people of Israel and Jews around the world to know that the State of Israel is standing behind its soldiers.

“Hopefully it won’t happen again and this will deter the terrorists.”

Hudi Scherer warned of an emboldened Hamas following the release.

“I hope this doesn’t mean Hamas becomes more brave and tries to take more soldiers,” he explained.

“It’s so hard on Israelis to take more heartache as they have done for years.

“Hopefully Gilad will return to a simple life with his parents where he can recover from the trauma.

“He has missed out on the most important years in his life, everyone around him will have to help him to recover his life.”

Josh Morris declared the release to be a milestone in Israeli history and proves Prime Minister Netanyahu’s flexibility in negotiations.

“He gave in to public pressure, but the most important thing is that Israel has her lost son back home,” he said.

“I just hope there will be no more Gilad’s taken into their control because this whole process could actually embolden Hamas.

“I want to know if Gilad understands the place he has in our hearts and his status in Israel — two wars were fought to try and get him back.”

It’s a similar story in Leeds. Ruth Bush said: “I’m absolutely delighted it’s happening because two years ago I was in Israel and it was going to happen but didn’t.

“If I was a parent I’d think the prisoner swap was not unbalanced, but I’m worried about all the dangerous criminals being freed.

“It’s possible kidnapping soldiers may increase as a result, but you have to look at it from both points of view.”

“Without a doubt it is the right decision,” said Leonard Cramer. “After five years one yiddishe boys is worth a thousand Palestinian terrorist.

“For the family, State of Israel and timing of Succot it’s unbelievable news after the New Year has started.”

Mark Niman added: “It’s certainly the right decision for Gilad’s family and friends, but it is a risky strategy because it is asking for other prisoners to be taken.”

Gilad Amit said: “Like most people in Israel, I’m very happy.

“People in the Diaspora need to know though that there has been very strong emotional debate in Israel about what is the right thing to do.

“Every future soldier that goes to the army needs to know every possible effort will be taken in order to release him whether as a dead body or as a captured soldier.

“This is the hardest decision for an Israeli government.

“The dilemma is whether Gilad Amit’s life is more precious than any future victims of terror attacks as a result of militant Palestinians released or an increase in abductions. It’s very hard.”

David Isaacs said: “I’m delighted that a kidnapped soldier is being released, but am not sure it is worth 1,000 prisoners

“It’s good that the Israeli army has kept to its word in bringing captured soldiers back but it’s a really high price to pay.”