According to the Gemara in “Over Priced Ransom” is states that we cannot ransom for captives due to Tikkun Olam “becasue the result might be that they will seize and bring many additional captives.” I have to agree with this, becuase in Gilad Shalit’s case the exchange was not equal, and did not “better the world” aka the state of Israel. Releasing the 1,000+ Palestinians, terorists, etc. to me is more harmful than bringing back the life of one.

I do not disagree with this argument, I just wonder how one grapples with the passivity of choosing not to act for the sake of future ocurences.

While it is certainly true that Hamas “got more” in the deal, one thing we have to consider is the message Israel sent by bringing back Gilad Shalit. This was a message sent to all the soldiers in the IDF showing that no matter what, if you fight for the IDF and are captured, Israel will stop at nothing to get you back.

I agree with the Gilad Shalit deal, because as seen when Avraham goes to save Lot, he brings his entire house hold and stops at nothing to save him. Similarly, Israel had to give up a lot to get Shalit but in my opinion it was the right thing to do.

http://kivunim.sugia.net/source/avrahams-antebe/?id=1154

http://kivunim.sugia.net/source/the-expensive-wife/?id=1154

In this case, I think that since Gilad Shalit was a soldier, there is a bond between him in the state similar to the Husband and Wife.  A soldier serves the community, so the community should serve him in return. I think the situation would be different if he was not a soldier. Israel should be obligated to save him the first time and should treat the situation as saving themselves by saving Gilad Shalit.

I agree with the Gilad Shalit deal for the reason of uncertainty involved in the case that acts as a reason for saving the captive. What I mean by “uncertainty” is a few things:

1. the uncertainty of the livelihood of the captive, living in the conditions provided by the kidnappers: this uncertainty , which can be equated with the lack of freedom requires one to save the captive. Source: Redemption of Captives (“One who averts his eyes from redeeming [the captvie] transgresses [the commandments]: Do not harden your heart, Do not stand upon the blood of your neighbor, and nullifies”)

2. The uncertainty of the impact of the person on the rest of the world – not saving the captive may result in prevention of Tikun Olam. Source: The beautiful expensive child (“I am certain that, if given the opportunity this child will issue halakhic rulings in Israel, as he is already exceedingly wise.”)