some questions about language

Even in Japan, the news about Madeleine MaCann's Case is very drawing public attention. I went to Guardian Unlimited to know how it is reported in the UK. And two parts of an article in there took my attention linguistically.

According to Guardian Unlimited:

Exhausted and under suspicion, Madeleine's family come home
Esther Addley

Monday September 10, 2007

.... "Whilst it is heartbreaking to return to the UK without Madeleine, it does not mean we are giving up our search for her," Mr McCann said. "As parents we cannot give up on our daughter until we know what has happened."

.... "Kate and Gerry are just happy to be back at home. They have been through three or four of the most difficult days in their lives. They are tired, very tired. If it was me, I would be absolutely shattered."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2165720,00.html

I didn't know the word "whilst," which is used as a conjunction like "while" and "although."

Also, I found a subjunctive sentence that contains "was" instead of "were." Although it is very obvious that native speakers often use "was" when they speak. But, Japanese EFL learners, especially middle school and high school students, are often annoyed by their English teachers about this usage.