Escorted by MKs Uri Ariel and Ronit Tirosh, Mrs. Esther Pollard on Sunday afternoon first day chol hamoed Pesach in Eretz Yisrael met with President Shimon Peres in his official residence. Mrs. Pollard made an impassioned plea to the president to act on behalf of Jonathan, who remains in critical condition. “I don’t want to be a widow” Mrs. Pollard was quoted as telling the president, who promised the issue of her husband’s release will remain atop of his list of priorities with the United States.

Pollard has been hospitalized since before Shabbos in a hospital near the federal prison in Butner North Carolina after complaining of a severe pain for days. After his condition deteriorated significantly he was taken to a hospital by prison officials. His condition is being reported as critical.

Mrs. Pollard told the president her husband’s health is simply deteriorating and his condition continues to worsen with each passing day- urging him to act before it is too late.

MK Tirosh reminded Mr. Peres that it was during his term as prime minister that Pollard received Israeli citizenship, and now as we celebrate Pesach it would be a most symbolic and appropriate move for US President Barak Obama to grant him his freedom that has been denied him for so many years.

Mr. Peres explained he would consult with the appropriate people, but promised he would act no later than Monday, stressing at this critical juncture we do not want to make mistakes.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)