Prime Minister's Office responds to Shalit family announcement of march on Jerusalem

           The Prime Minister's Office issued a press release following Monday's announcement by the Shalit family that they would be marching on Jerusalem, demanding the release of their son, Gilad. Earlier, Noam and Aviva Shalit announced that they have decided to boost the struggle "to save our son", who has been held by Hamas for almost four years now. Family members and campaign activists convened a press conference in Tel Aviv to explain the nature of the new struggle, which will be aimed at increasing the public pressure on the government to bring Gilad home. "The prime minister has instructed the defense establishment to spare no effort in retrieving Gilad. Efforts vis-à-vis Hamas are ongoing, in hopes on concluding the deal. "Prime Minister Netanyahu, personally, stays in touch with the Shalits and shares their pain, and Israel's pain, for every day that passes with Gilad in captivity," said the statement. "The efforts to free Gilad bore fruit when we were able to get the first proof of life from him. In December 2009, Israel accepted a German-Egyptian-brokered offer on a deal meant to secure his release, but Hamas has yet to respond to it." The Shalit family and campaign activists are planning a series of events to mark the somber fourth anniversary of Gilad's captivity. The march, set to begin on June 27, is expected to see the following route: The first day will see the march begin in Mitzpe Hila in northern Israel and reach Nahariya. The second day will cover the Krayot area, the third will take marchers to Yagur Junction, the fourth will see marchers reach Zichron Yaacov, and the fifth day will see them reach Hadera. The sixth day of the march will see family and campaign activists reach Netanya. The Shalits are expected to make a detour to Caesarea, where they will hold a Shabbat dinner across from Netanyahu's home. The following Sunday, July 4, will see marchers cross the distance between Herzliya and Tel Aviv. They will then convoy to Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel, for a special concert. The following day will see marchers arrive at Latrun, where they will hold a service with Armor Corps Division 188 – Gilad's division. The next day will see marchers arrive at Motza, on the western edge of Jerusalem, via Beit Shemesh. The following day will see the Shalits arrive at the protest tent in Jerusalem, where they will stay indefinitely. (21,41)