Israel Matzav

Would you vote for this man?

This might have been inevitable. Noam Shalit - father of the soldier for whom we traded 1,027 'Palestinian' terrorists - has announced that he is running for the Knesset on the Labor party ticket.

Explaining his motives for the career change, he said, "this is out of desire to serve the public, and to be in a place from which I can influence Israeli society's image. The Labor Party is a social democratic party, and a proponent of peace; therefore, it is my natural home."

Putting his faith in the Labor leader Noam added, "I believe that with Shelly Yacimovich's leadership, the Labor party will be able to make important steps for Israeli society."

Yacimovich welcomed the announcement: "The struggle of Noam Schalit and his family for Gilad's release began as a private struggle, but evolved into a struggle that encapsulates the core values of Israel society: solidarity, mutual support and Zionism."

"Noam's struggle is a model of a public campaign that was appropriate and restrained, but at the same time determined and effective. In this struggle, the entire Israeli society united around common values," she continued.

Noam will not have to apply to join the Labor Party as he has been a registered member since 1996.

In reference to his membership, Yacimovich said, "Noam has been a Labor Party man for many years, and I'm sure that he will make a great contribution to Labor as an MK."

There was a long segment on this during the 10:00 - 11:00 hour on HaKol Diburim (It's All Talk), Israel Radio's news magazine that used to be hosted by Shelly Yachimovitch before she left to run for the Knesset. The segment was followed by the press conference at which Shalit's candidacy was officially announced. Many people are uncomfortable with the fact that Shalit is attempting to capitalize on the successful attempt to orchestrate his son's release just two and a half months after it took place. It will be interesting to see if there is a similar reaction should Yair Lapid decide his own party, and should one of that party's candidates be Karnit Goldwasser, whose husband's body was released by Hezbullah in exchange for child murderer Samir al-Kuntar. Karnit Goldwasser is now a 'television personality.'

Two comments. At least we don't have to worry that Shalit will favor a future exchange of 1,000 terrorists for one IDF soldier - that trade was limited to his own son. And I hinted to you all along that I was sure from the media's deferential treatment of Shalit that he is a Leftist.

Is there any other country in the West in which so many members of the media are leading candidates for public office? What could go wrong?

Labels: Karnit Goldwasser, Labor party, Noam Shalit, Shelly Yacimovich, Yair Lapid

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:57 AM