ROME (JTA) — The Colosseum and at least two other landmarks in Italy will go dark to draw attention to the plight of a captive Israeli soldier.
The ceremony will mark the fourth anniversary since Gilad Shalit was captured by Hamas terrorists in a cross-border raid on June 25, 2006. Shalit is believed to be held in Gaza.
Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno and other VIPs, including Shalit’s father, will take part in a ceremony in Rome, where the floodlights illuminating the ancient Colosseum will be turned off at 11 p.m. — midnight Israeli time.
Last year, Alemanno made Shalit an honorary citizen of the Eternal City.
The floodlights will be turned off as well at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan and the Mole Antonelliano in Turin, a towering building that is the symbol of the city and originally was designed, but never used, as a synagogue.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat also has ordered the lights around the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem to be turned off in solidarity with Shalit.
