For the first time in the campaign to free captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, a protest was held Friday outside the Kfar Saba home of IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi.

Despite the fact that the IDF chief does not dictate policy on the prisoner swap issue, the demonstrators decided to gather outside his home to demand that he take a more decisive stance on Schalit, who he had described as "my soldier."

Until now, the campaign has steered clear of Ashkenazi's home, while holding demonstrations outside the homes of the prime minister and defense minister, as well as outside the Defense Ministry.

Head of the Free Gilad campaign, Shimshon Lidman explained Friday's move to Army Radio.

"As the one responsible for these soldiers, and we know that Ashkenazi knows this, he needs to be supported and encouraged to do what is required," he said. "We've come here with a positive tone, to remind him that there is a soldier today who needs to be fought for in front of the decision-makers."

The demonstrators brought placards and whistles and received strong support from passersby. Many of the dozens of participants were mothers of combat soldiers.

This article can also be read at http://www.jpost.com /servlet/Satellite?cid=1249418548669&pagename=JPArticle%2FShowFull

[ Back to the Article ]

Copyright 1995- 2009 The Jerusalem Post - http://www.jpost.com/