Petition to Romney Urges Pollard Clemency
Knesset leaders have sent a letter to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney urging him to grant clemency to Jonathan Pollard if elected president.
The letter, according to the Jerusalem Post, was similar to letters sent to former President Bill Clinton and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It asks Romney for the “immediate release” Pollard, who was convicted of spying on the U.S. for Israel, upon Romney’s taking office.
The letter was signed by every non-Arab party leader in Knesset.
“We, the heads of the Knesset factions, the elected representatives of the citizens of Israel, want to bring a deeply painful issue to your attention, the plight of Jonathan Pollard,” the letter stated, according to the Post. “It is not disputed that Jonathan Pollard broke the law and he deserved to be punished.
“Nevertheless, the citizens of Israel are united in their request for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds. He has served nearly 27 years in prison and his health has deteriorated to a point that is life-threatening.”
Romney has said that he is “open to examining” the Pollard issue, though he did not mention Pollard during his recent trip to Israel.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
