At age 11, abducted soldier Gilad Shalit wrote a story entitled "When the Shark and the Fish First Met" about a fish and a shark who meet and, though natural enemies, they decide to become friends and live in peace.

Five 5th grade students from New York read the book Gilad wrote at age 11 - "Gilad was a boy our age when he wrote this story. Today, no one knows where he is. If the shark and fish can make peace, why can’t people?"

On December 16, 2008, the municipal council of Paris declared Gilad Shalit, who holds dual Israeli and French citizenship, an honorary citizen of Paris.

FM Livni to ambassadors of the European Union: "Such actions by the international community convey a special message of identity with the people of Israel and, no less important, a message to Hamas that its actions are not accpeted by the international community."

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FM Livni at press conference with UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-Moon (15 Jan 2009):
"The fact that Gilad Shalit has been in Hamas’ hands for so long is on the government’s agenda. Our commitment to bringing him home never diminishes, but only increases. Yet the things that have been said throughout this period still hold true. This discussion does not need to be conducted publicly. We are constantly reminding everyone, including the members of the international community, that Hamas is holding Gilad Shalit, and not providing any access to him. I also brought this up today in my discussion with the head of the Red Cross, who arrived in Israel for a visit. We expect, from the international community as well, that this subject not be laid aside. It must be addressed, and we heard the UN secretary-general address it today too, but it is most certainly, first of all, the Israeli government’s responsibility.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (20 Jan 2009):
"Before and during the IDF operation in Gaza, I undertook steps to bring about Gilad Shalit's return home as quickly as possible. I believe that there is a chance but the price will be very heavy. I will not rest until he is back home."