OCTOBER 18/CHESHVAN 3

2011:  

Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas in a cross-border raid via tunnels near the Israeli border on June 25, 2006 and held captive in Gaza, was released as part of a controversial prisoner exchange deal. 283 of those prisoners had been sentenced to life in prison for planning and perpetrating various attacks against Israeli targets, including convicted murderers. Tragically many returned to active terrorism and murder, including those responsible for the Simchat Torah Massacre.