One prisoner for one thousand: Gilad Shalit was released today. He looks like a holocaust victim. His face is pale and pointy, his eyes are black as soot. His broken, timid smile makes him look like a goblin. How can this woman, this interviewer, ask him questions? This man was maybe raped, certainly beaten and brainwashed. Sitting in Bagel Bite Delicatessen, watching him on screen, I try to keep the salty tear fluid from clouding my eyes. The waiters are smiling and turning up the volume. Their brother is home. Everyone stops what they’re doing to watch. How can I eat knowing this man was in captivity for five years? How can you eat? The possibilities of his experience make me want to vomit. Go ahead, let yourself imagine them.
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