Dear Advocates,

News has just come in that BBC Journalist Alan Johnston has been released. He has been held in captivity for over 100 days by a group by the name of Army of Islam. Articles on his release can be found:
www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,22015872-601,00.html
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6267928.stmzz
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3420863,00.html
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/878200.html
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1183459185432&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Earlier today, The Australian ran a story entitled ‘Hamas forces besiege Johnston’s captors, but remember explosive belt’. Interestingly, the article featured quotes by Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum stating that “the kidnappers want to destroy out reputation and show the world we are a group of gangsters fighting each other…[they are] nothing but a group of thugs and murderers”. It is good news that Johnston has been released, now it is time to see if Hamas puts this into practice themselves and releases Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who they have now be holding for over one year. If Hamas wants to show the world that they are a legitimate political organisation, they must release Gilad Shalit, and they must stop firing Kassam rockets into Israel and they must bring an end to terror.

In other news, there was an article in Ha’aretz a few days ago regarding UN’s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon fears for Israeli soldiers Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, who were kidnapped by Hezbollah almost a year ago. To read the article, entitled ‘UN’s Ban: Threat to lives of abducted IDF troops increasing’, click here.

Those who plan on sending letters to the media regarding Johnston’s release should certainly keep in mind Gilad Shalit, and call for his release too.

Best wishes,

Emily Chrapot
State Zionist Council of Victoria
9272 5507
www.szcvic.org
www.szcsolidarityrally.blogspot.com