French citizens in a community near Paris joined Israelis in demonstrating their commitment to keeping the plight of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit before the public eye, with a special marathon Sunday near Paris.
The run is sponsored by a French group called the "Collectif Liberte pour Gilad" that was recently formed with the help of Shalit's family, who are French citizens.
A number of French celebrities were on the roster to participate in the event, including actors Dany Boon and Yvan Attal, singer Patrick Bruel, comedien Gad Elmaleh, writer Marek Halter and philosopher Bernard-Henry Levy.
A short film appealing for the freedom for Gilad Shalit in a multitude of voices by prominent French male and female personalities was also produced by film director Eli Chouraqui, entitled, "Je suis Gilad."
("I am Gilad.")
The event, which was held in Neuilly-sur-Seine, was initiated and co-organized by the town's mayor, Jean-Christophe Fromantin.
Runners were identified by the white tee shirts they wore to show their peaceful intentions.
Shalit is still being held hostage by the Hamas terrorists who abducted him during a cross-border raid near the Kerem Shalom Crossing with Gaza on June 25, 2006.
Hamas, which has consistently backed out of every prisoner swap deal negotiated with the terrorist group, recently demanded that Israel release 1,500 terrorist prisoners in exchange for the captive soldier.
The group has not allowed the International Red Cross Association or any other international representative to visit Shalit to ascertain his condition since he was kidnapped more than two years ago. His whereabouts remain unknown.