The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations announced it is joining with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, Alan P. Gross’ home community, in circulating a petition requesting his release from Cuban jail before the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days. Mr. Gross, a U.S. citizen, was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison for his work providing cell phones to improve the communications capacity of the Cuban Jewish community.

Organizations can join as co-sponsors of the petition at Conference of Presidents and individuals can sign the petition at jcouncil.org/gross Regarding Mr. Gross’ case, Richard Stone, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents, released the following statement:

“Alan Gross’ actions in Cuba were never intended to harm the government of Cuba, but rather to help the island’s Jewish community. In his remarks to the Cuban court, Alan said, ‘I do deeply regret that my actions have been misinterpreted as harmful and as a threat against the security and independence of Cuba. Surely, this runs counter to what I had intended.’”

“Alan’s incarceration weighs heavily on him and his family. He has already served nearly two years in prison under difficult conditions, lost 100 pounds, and is in a weakened physical state. Moreover, his mother and daughter are battling cancer and his absence adds to the difficult burden the family is carrying. 

“With the advent of the new Jewish year, we are praying that President Raúl Castro and his government will act on humanitarian grounds and allow Alan to be reunited with his family.

“We are grateful to all who have expressed their concern in the past, and hope that this petition will communicate the depth of feeling and concern of the American Jewish community as well as the American people.

“Together with Ron Halber, Executive Director of the JCRC, we have maintained a close connection to the Gross family. With other organizations, we have worked close to two years to gain Alan’s release. Support has come from many religious and civil leaders, as well as public officials. We must continue to do all we can to make sure that Alan’s case is resolved promptly,” said Stone and Hoenlein.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)