President Shimon Peres has agreed to pardon dozens of young activists who protested the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif in 2005.  He ordered attorney Yona Sheinvitz to determine the various legal options available.

Peres spoke with several Members of Knesset who requested the pardons, and told them that Jews who were expelled from their homes in Gaza are welcome to meet with him. “I’ll deal with any request for aid,” Peres said.  “These people must not be allowed to feel disgrace or suffering.” 

MK Yitzchak Levi (NU/NRP) said after the meeting that he was encouraged by Peres’s decision to pardon the Gaza protestors.  He said that he and other MKs “hope that he will prove that he really is everyone’s president and will contribute to increased unity.”