Gilad Shalit: After 5 years in captivity, regains freedom

Freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit has arrived in his northern Israeli hometown, his first day of freedom after more than five years in Hamas captivity.
He took off with his family for home Tuesday, leaving Tel Nof air base for the town of Mitzpe Hila. The helicopter carrying him landed near the town. He made his way by car from the helipad to the village and was whisked into his home.

In the Gaza and the West Bank, jubilant Palestinians greeted the return of prisoners.
Greeted along the road by hundreds of chanting and flag-waving supporters, people in the Galilee town laid out white roses and hung banners to welcome him back, erupting in joy at the return of the young man who became an international cause célèbre.www.mannastores.com

"The commanders and soldiers of the IDF respect you and are proud of your tenacity and resilience throughout these years. We will continue to support you for as long as you need," Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, the Israel Defense Forces chief of general staff said in a statement.
"On behalf of your fellow soldiers, who carry on their shoulders your generation's guardianship of the country, whether in the land, sea or air, in their offices or in the field, throughout the country, whether in their tanks, or artillery batteries, in their planes or in their ships -- in the name of the whole of the IDF, I congratulate you and your family upon your return to us."
Shalit was released Tuesday morning in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, given medical checks that showed him to be in good health, and flown to an air force base to meet his family.
The helicopter ride to Tel Nof air base, where he was reunited with his family, was "very emotional for Gilad," IDF spokesman Brig.Gen.Yoav Mordechai said.
Shalit's father grabbed him in a bear hug, held him tight and kissed him as they were reunited. The father told Israeli television earlier it was the happiest day of his life.www.mannastores.com