Email from Zionist Organization of America   ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA IN THE MEDIA     Bereaved Father Warns: Releasing Terrorists Will Result in The Deaths of More Israelis By Hezki Baruch (December 26, 2024 / Israel National News) Herzl Hajaj, father of Lieutenant Shir Hajaj who was murdered in a terrorist attack in the Armon HaNatziv neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2017, strongly opposes the release of terrorists in a potential deal for the return of hostages. In an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, he warned of the serious consequences of such actions and argued that past experience proves that released terrorists return to terrorism and only cause more suffering for Jews. "We are connected to many WhatsApp groups of Arabs and see the names of the terrorists being discussed, who are expected to be released in the deal. These are terrorists who caused the deaths of 67 Jews and injured hundreds more," said Hajaj. He added, "Today we understand that the claim that we can control the situation and prevent them from returning to terrorism is baseless. We have already seen the results of releasing terrorists, like in the Shalit deal." Hajaj mentioned examples from the past: "Baruch Mizrahi and Danny Gonen were murdered by terrorists who were released in the Shalit deal, after serving time in prison for minor offenses. They were released and returned to terrorism. Every terrorist who is released is a threat. If in the Shalit deal they thought that maybe 'only' 10-15 [terror victims] would die each year, we saw the true scale of the damage. Today we understand the real price." Hajaj also criticized the government for supporting the first hostage deal. "Last time, the entire coalition, including Smotrich and the Religious Zionist party, voted in favor of releasing 'light' terrorists. So far, about ten of them have been arrested again for returning to terrorism. We know this trend won’t change. The release of terrorists will lead to a dangerous wave of terror that will make things even harder for us." In his view, the problem is not just the release itself, but where the terrorists are being sent. "Sending them to Judea and Samaria is problematic, and sending them to Gaza is another issue, but at least there we have security control. However, releasing them to countries like Turkey or Qatar, where we have no access, is a strategic suicide." CONTINUE READING     Share This Email Share This Email   DONATE     Copyright © Zionist Organization of America 2025, All rights reserved. Zionist Organization of America | 633 Third Ave 31 B | New York, NY 10017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice