A painfully lopsided deal. Was the price too high?

Today is a bittersweet day. So sweet that captured Isreali soldier, Gilad Shalit has finally been freed after five long years. So bitter that one thousand twenty seven sworn terrorists have been handed over in his stead.

The outrage over this painfully lopsided swap is impossible to ignore.  How could we agree to such a deal? A deal where all the men, women and children slaughtered by the hands of these bloodthirsty criminals are now given no justice, and where these murderers, whose newfound liberty only means the return to their steadfast resolution to the complete eradication of the land of Israel and its people, now given a free pass.

What kind of judicial system do we have?

Indeed, one who treasures life.

Golda Meir, former prime minister of Israel was once quoted as saying: “Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.”

The souls prematurely cut off from this world have not been forgotten.  They did not die in vain. Their lives were tragically snuffed out in a most unbearable manner, but can no longer be brought back, while a precious soul was waiting for redemption. A life that could still be spared.

It hurts to see the wicked rejoice while we lick our wounds. But today, we celebrate as well. We celebrate that we are not like them, that we love our children more than we hate our enemies.  We celebrate that we are a people who value life so much we are willing to pay the highest price.

I am sure that the souls of these victims are elated as well. Dancing and singing together with us on high.

I share the agony of their families seeing their butchers now roam free. But they can rest assured that they had a big hand in sparing another soul.  

Indeed, saving the life of one person alone is like saving the world. And for the parents, family and friends of the Schalit family, as well as the entire Israeli people, the savior of this life has most certainly saved many worlds.   

If that’s not consolation, what is?

Jews are no strangers to flimsy, one sided deals. We are accustomed to getting the raw end. But today we have reason to be joyous, a soul has been freed.

Boruch atah hashem matir asurim. We bless G-d every day for freeing those taken captive. Today this blessing takes on a new meaning.

But what is taking you captive? Is it a grudge? Is it a negative attitude? A certain character trait you’d be better off letting go of?

Today, in honor of Gilad, let it go, break free and liberate yourself! Because your life is important, your soul is significant, an entire universe.

Today the world has witnessed the worth of a single Jewish life and the price that we are willing to pay.

Make your life pay.