Yossi Abramson of Jerusalem, acting on behalf of a group of unaffiliated citizens who are concerned for the plight of Jonathan Pollard, has sent a letter to several government ministers and officials. The letter reminds them that the upcoming holiday is an opportune time to ask the U.S. President to make a gesture to the Jewish State and pardon Israeli citizen Pollard.

“There have been precedents,” the Abramson letter states, “in which President Bush was willing to pardon Pollard in honor of the Passover holiday – both this year and in 2001. It would seem that the occasion of the Rosh HaShanah holiday would also be an opportunity for President Bush to agree to utilize as a fitting time to free him.”

The letter asks that an official request be sent “as early as today” to the U.S. leader, asking that Pollard be returned home in time for the holiday. “Until then,” the letter continues, “the Ambassador in the U.S. must be instructed to visit Pollard frequently, in order that his conditions be improved.”

Though other Israeli officials have visited Pollard, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. has visited him in prison only one time in the nearly 21 years he has been jailed.

The letter was sent to Foreign Minister Tzippy Livny, Trade Minister Eli Yishai (Shas), and Defense Minister Amir Peretz. In addition, Science Minister Ophir Pines (Labor) and MK Uri Ariel, both of whom have been active in calling for more effective Israeli government action to achieve Pollard’s release, received copies, as did some other members of Kadima, the National Union and Shas.

Pollard is nearing the end of his 21st year in prison on charges of passing classified information that are normally punished by 2-4 years in prison. He is said to be in grave medical condition.

Please send faxes to:
Foreign Minister Tzippy Livny – 02-666-2909
Defense Minister Amir Peretz – 03-697-6218
Trade Minister Eli Yishai (Shas) – 02-530-3506

AS