It was widely reported yesterday that the the US ambassador to Israel said it is unlikely that convicted Pentagon spy Jonathan Pollard will ever be released, saying the fact that he has not been executed should be seen as an act of clemency by Washington.
The ambassador made an apology this morning which was made available to Yeshivaworld, It reads as follows: UA Ambassador to Israel Richard H. Jones has issued the following statement to the press:
“I apologize for the remarks I made this morning regarding the case of Mr. Jonathan Pollard, which were misinformed and misleading. They did not reflect my personal views nor those of the Bush Administration. I certainly do not personally believe that Mr. Pollard should have received capital punishment and I was appalled to learn that I had given that impression. I regret any distress that I may have caused Mr. Pollard’s family and loved ones.”
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10 Responses
I think it would be very beneficial if Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Executive Vice President of Young Israel, were to meet with this Jones fellow.
What he MAY have meant in those remarks is that when Mr. Pollard was first remanded, that he could have been executed for treason and that this life sentence, in lieu of execution should be seen as an act of clemency by Washington.
Back in the day, many people were convinced that Mr. Pollard had done irreparable harm to the security of this country, including, presumably, Caspar Weinberger. So this seems to be a reasonable assertion.
Now, since there is more information indicating he did not put the US at risk as much as originally thought, it also seems reasonable to request he be granted clemency, particularly in light of the fact that he was accused of spying for an ally, not an enemy.
May Hashem be Matir Assurim and completely free him, and all others from acheinu binei Yisrael who are in captivity, from their bondages.
When you are a public figure, there is no such thing as what he MAY have meant, rewrite your speech, reread it again & again and then speak out loud.
Yeah, right. Bla, Bla, Bla, Bla… an apology that is way too late…
This is nothing but a phony apology. He is apologizing that he did not realize the backlash his idiotic statement caused.
Another expample of what ill talented people have been placed in high offices by none other than the most ill talented of them all – – – George W B
EVERYDAY SOMEONE IS APOLIGIZING TO YIDDEN FOR SOMETHING ELSE. WHOEVER THINKS THATS ITS GOOD THING… WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE !
Pollard must have some secrets that the US is still keeping secret.
Otherwise they would not expend so much political capital, in keeping Pollard in isolation
political capital??? no political capital is being spent. the libs(democrats) did nothing and neither did the republicans — and it will not cost either party a single vote!
BAAL BOOSE – QUIT IT. YOU ARE SOUNDING LIKE AN APOLOGETIC LEFTIST!!!
i think bal boose is right