Supporters of Jonathan Pollard refuse to give up. The Committee to Bring Jonathan Home has kicked off a new campaign demanding that the Israeli government insist on Pollard’s release from prison. “He worked to protect our lives, and we should work to give him a new life,” says Committee Chairman Yehoshua Steinberg, emphasizing the theme of "chai," life - of which the 18th year in prison that Pollard is now beginning is the numerical equivalent.
Efforts on behalf of Pollard take on a new urgency in light of the threat of war in Iraq. “Over the past few years," Steinberg said, "Pollard was a bargaining chip in the continuous negotiations of the Middle East peace process, but at the close of each negotiation the U.S backed down from its promises. Now that the U.S. is once again requesting that Israel essentially sit idle during and prior to any confrontation with Iraq... the greatest reassurance that America is acting in Israel’s best interest is the release of Jonathan Pollard.”
The connection between Pollard’s case and Iraq is obvious, campaign organizers say: "The very information Jonathan turned over to the Israeli government - to which it was legally entitled in accordance with a 1983 Memorandum of Understanding between Israel and the U.S. - provided a closer examination of Iraqi nuclear, chemical and biological warfare capabilities being developed for use against Israel. This information has enabled Israel to protect itself and its innocent citizens against Iraq."
The new campaign, entitled “Sh’nat Chai” - the 18th year - will include various events, including activities sponsored by Businessman for Pollard at the Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan, a Nationwide Pollard Sabbath on December 7, a weekend retreat and weeklong rallies in cities around Israel, and coordinated efforts by Israeli politicians to demand a statement from U.S. President Bush about the Pollard case. Click here for more information about the Pollard case.
Efforts on behalf of Pollard take on a new urgency in light of the threat of war in Iraq. “Over the past few years," Steinberg said, "Pollard was a bargaining chip in the continuous negotiations of the Middle East peace process, but at the close of each negotiation the U.S backed down from its promises. Now that the U.S. is once again requesting that Israel essentially sit idle during and prior to any confrontation with Iraq... the greatest reassurance that America is acting in Israel’s best interest is the release of Jonathan Pollard.”
The connection between Pollard’s case and Iraq is obvious, campaign organizers say: "The very information Jonathan turned over to the Israeli government - to which it was legally entitled in accordance with a 1983 Memorandum of Understanding between Israel and the U.S. - provided a closer examination of Iraqi nuclear, chemical and biological warfare capabilities being developed for use against Israel. This information has enabled Israel to protect itself and its innocent citizens against Iraq."
The new campaign, entitled “Sh’nat Chai” - the 18th year - will include various events, including activities sponsored by Businessman for Pollard at the Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan, a Nationwide Pollard Sabbath on December 7, a weekend retreat and weeklong rallies in cities around Israel, and coordinated efforts by Israeli politicians to demand a statement from U.S. President Bush about the Pollard case. Click here for more information about the Pollard case.