Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) will be speaking at a rally on the National Mall on Thursday, November 11, 2010 to urge the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from Hamas captivity.  The event, “1600 for 1600: A Humanitarian Rally for Gilad Shalit,” is from 6 pm to 8 pm, between 3^rd and 4^th Streets on the National Mall.  The goal is to have at least 1600 people attend to represent each of the 1600 days Gilad Shalit has been held captive.

“I am proud to lend my voice to this cause, and to join Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren in calling for the release of Gilad Shalit from his long captivity.  Hamas has denied him the most basic human rights for too long and has even prevented the Red Cross from visiting him.  People will be travelling from all around the country to attend this rally, and I am hopeful this peaceful display of support for him and his family will bring needed attention to this situation,” said Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“I co-sponsored a resolution which passed the House of Representatives in June 2010, (H.Res. 1359) condemning Hamas for their imprisonment and treatment of Gilad Shalit. It demanded that Hamas begin treating him, and any other prisoners, according to internationally-accepted humanitarian standards.  The resolution condemns Iran and Syria for their continued patronage of Hamas, which emboldens the Palestinian terrorist group to act in such a savage manner.  And finally, it demands his immediate release,” added Rep. Engel.

The event is being organized by the Zionist Organization of America of the University of Maryland, The David Project, and in cooperation with George Washington University, George Mason University, American University, Israel on Campus Coalition of Greater Washington, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and Israel in DC.

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