Who Is Gilad Shalit? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Gilad Shalit, born on August 28, 1986, is an Israeli soldier and notable public figure who gained international attention after being abducted by Hamas militants in 2006. After five years of captivity, he was released in a prisoner exchange deal, leading to widespread media coverage and public interest. In 2025, Shalit is 39 years old and continues to engage with various social and humanitarian causes while also being a prominent voice on issues surrounding peace and security in the region.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1986 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Nahariya, Israel |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | France |
Popularity
Gilad Shalit's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Gilad Shalit stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall (180 cm) and weighs around 165 pounds (75 kg). His physique reflects an active lifestyle, which he maintains through regular exercise and participation in sports.
Early on 25 June 2006, Palestinian militants from the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Popular Resistance Committees, and Army of Islam crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip through a tunnel near Kerem Shalom and attacked an IDF post. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and another two, apart from Shalit, were wounded.
Two of the attacking Palestinian militants were also killed. Shalit suffered a broken left hand and a light shoulder wound, and the militants captured him and took him via a tunnel into Gaza.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Shalit has generally kept his personal life private, but as of 2025, he is reportedly in a committed relationship. Details about his partner, however, remain mostly under wraps, reflecting his desire to maintain some level of anonymity in his romantic life. Gilad values family and often shares moments with his loved ones during public appearances and interviews.
During his captivity, Hamas rejected requests from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit Shalit, claiming that such visits could compromise his location. Several human rights organizations criticized this position, asserting that the conditions of Shalit's confinement were in violation of international humanitarian law.
The Red Cross stated, "The Shalit family have the right under international humanitarian law to be in contact with their son." In the early months, the sole means of communication was through an intermediary, who claimed that a low-ranking Hamas official, Ghazi Hamad, asked him to convey to Shalit's parents the assurance that Shalit was "alive and
was treated according to Islam's laws regarding prisoners of war.
In other words, he had been given shelter, food, and medical care." The United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict called for Shalit's release in its September 2009 report. In the G8's Deauville Declaration of May 27, 2011, they demanded Shalit's release.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Gilad Shalit’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million. While specific salary figures remain undisclosed, his earnings are attributed to various speaking engagements, media appearances, and ongoing collaborations with charitable organizations.
Career, Business and Investments
After his release, Gilad Shalit has pursued a career as an author and advocate for peace. He has written books sharing his experiences and has been involved in multiple humanitarian organizations focused on fostering dialogue and understanding between different cultures. In recent years, he also ventured into investments related to tech startups that promote innovation in Israel and around the world.
Social Network
Gilad Shalit is an active participant on social media, utilizing platforms like Instagram and Twitter to engage with fans, share updates about his life, and promote causes he believes in. He has amassed a significant following, where he often advocates for peace, solidarity, and human rights.
On 9 January 2007, Abu Mujahed, a spokesman for the captors, asserted that Shalit: "...has not been harmed at all ...
He is being treated in accordance with Islamic values regulating the treatment of prisoners of war." He also said: "We have managed to keep the soldier in captivity for six months and we have no problem keeping him for years." On 17 January 2007, one of the captor groups, the Army of Islam headed by Mumtaz Dormush, claimed that Shalit was being hel
d exclusively by Hamas.
On 8 March 2007, Jerusalem Post reported that an agreement had been reached with Hamas over the number of prisoners Israel would release in return for Shalit. Israel and Hamas were still negotiating specific prisoners who Hamas wanted freed in return for Shalit.
On 7 April 2007, it was reported that Shalit's captors had transferred to Israel, through Egyptian mediators, a list of Palestinian prisoners they wanted freed. The list included names of approximately 1,300 prisoners, some of whom were high-ranking Fatah members.
Education
Gilad Shalit is a graduate of the University of Haifa, where he studied international relations and Middle Eastern studies. His educational background has equipped him with a deeper understanding of the complexities of the region, informing his advocacy work post-military service.
Shalit became the first Israeli soldier to be captured by Palestinian militants since the incident involving Nachshon Wachsman in 1994. Shalit held the rank of Corporal in the IDF's Armor Corps at the time of his capture, and he was subsequently promoted to Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, and Sergeant First Class just before his release.
He holds dual Israeli and French citizenship, the latter via his grandmother.
