Noam Shalit, father of Gilad Shalit, the kidnapped IDF soldier who recently returned home after being held by the terrorist group Hamas for over 5 years has announced that he has decided to run for public office.

Shalit will run for a seat in the Knesset under the Labor party "Avodah."

Shalit released a statement on Monday, saying, "I have a desire to serve the public, and to be in a place where I can affect the public image of Israeli society."

Shalit continued, "After years of public struggle, during which I was privileged to get to know the depth of the Israeli society's beautiful and ethical side, I decided to join a public "activity"... the "Avodah" party is a social, democratic party that wants peace, and so is my natural home. I believe that under Shelly Yachimovich's guidance, "Avodah" can lead us to important paths on behalf of the Israeli society."

"Avodah" leader Shelly Yachimovich also released a public statement saying, "The struggle of Noam Shalit and his family for Gilad's release began as a private struggle, but evolved into a struggle that encapsulates the base values of Israeli society - solidarity, mutual support and Zionism."