NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC welcomes the release of Ilan Grapel, who had been held in an Egyptian jail since mid-June.

LOS ANGELES, Oct.

The World Jewish Congress (WJC) today welcomed the release of IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit from his captivity in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. "Gilad is finally coming home, which is wonderful news for his family and the entire Jewish people," WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said, adding: "Despite the enormously painful price that only Israel would consider paying, Jewish communities across the globe stand side by side with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Cabinet's decision, and they salute Noam and Aviva Shalit for their courage. Their relentless struggle has finally paid off."

NEW YORK, Sept.

NEW YORK, May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Jewish Committee condemned the pro-Hamas "Free Gaza" organization, which is currently sailing a flotilla of ships to the Gaza Strip in the guise of an aid convoy, for its deliberate attempt to seek direct confrontation with Israel.