NEW YORK (Press Release)–The early release of Jonathan Pollard should be based on humanitarian grounds and on the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel, and not intertwined with any potential resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said today.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement: “Jonathan Pollard has served out his punishment for his crime, and given the 28 years that have passed, the decline of his health, and his potential eligibility for parole in another year, now is the time for the United States to release him, both on humanitarian grounds and in light of the important bilateral relationship between Israel and the United States.
“While the time has come for clemency, Pollard’s release should not be intertwined with any potential resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. There are enormous complications to the current negotiations now taking place between the Israelis, the Palestinians and the United States, without introducing this factor as another issue on the table.
“We hope that the Obama Administration will take the step of releasing Pollard on humanitarian grounds without seeing him as a potential “bargaining chip” to pressure Israel to continue to negotiate in the absence of a true commitment on behalf of the Palestinians to make the difficult choices and decisions that would facilitate a lasting peace with the State of Israel.”
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Dan Brodsky wrote: Jonathan Pollard is an old Israeli man, not in good health, who has now been in a US jail for over 25 years. He is a US and Israeli citizen. He was convicted of “minor” spying for Israel… doing what reporters do every day in America for the benefit of various countries. Israel has tried many times to get him released. He is due for probation in a year. He is considered a hero by many in Israel (and in the US.)
Israel was “asked” by Obama and Kerry to release 100 Palestinian killers and terrorists, in stages, as a “confidence boosting” effort to get the Palestinian to the negotiation table. Israel has now released about 75 of the terrorists. So far, it has not brought any confidence. Many in Israel were outraged by the idea of releasing any prisoners. Israel has received nothing for the release. Now there is a groundswell movement in Israel not to release any more.
Netanyahu is in a bind. he wants US support, so me must appease Obama, but he may be removed as Prime Minister if he releases any more prisoners. In the meantime, Obama and Kerry appear desperate to get a signed piece of paper saying “peace” so that they can declare a great victory and perhaps earn more Nobel prizes. Out of desperation (and pure meanness toward Israel and Netanyahu they have sweetened the pot… they have offered to release Pollard a few months early in return for Israel’s releasing more criminals. This seems disgusting and despicable to me.
What kind of government uses such a tactic? Pollard is not a bargaining chip to be kept until useful. Jonathan Pollard has told Israeli officials that he doesn’t want to be released if other Palestinian prisoners are to be released. He knows the damage to Israel that these killers can do once again.
Decency and humanity call for Pollard to be immediately released… without preconditions. 25 years is enough! And 75 Palestinians prisoners on the loose are enough!
Please write to Obama and Kerry and ask them if they want the blood on their hands that will come from future prisoner releases. Ask them also if they want this shame to be upon us citizens in America.
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