Jonathan Pollard
Photo: AP
Peres. 'Good relationship with Obama'
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Peres asked to intervene on Pollard's behalf
Jonathan Pollard continues to ask for prison leave to see dying father. 'People behind us,' says associate
Family members and associates of Jonathan Pollard – currently imprisoned in the US for espionage – pleaded with President Shimon Peres to exert influence over US authorities to grant Pollard leave in order to see his dying father, whose condition was said to have worsened Sunday.
"We are being updated on his situation every 2-3 hours, and it doesn't look good. We hope he will hold on long enough to see his son for the last time," Ginsburg said.
Adi Ginsburg, of the campaign for Pollard's release, told Ynet he had spoken to Pollard's brother, Harvey, who said Saturday's call from Jonathan to his father had given the 95-year old man the will to live.
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Plea
Ronen Medzini
Jonathan Pollard's relatives issue plea for compassionate leave from US authorities to allow him to leave prison, see father in hospital after receiving news he 'may not last through day'. 'He was crying so hard,' says wife
He added that Saturday's call for compassionate leave for Pollard had yielded an unprecedented number of responses.
"The people turned to us, to the Prime Minister's Office, and the President's Office, and the waves of support we and Esther received were enormous. There is a very clear feeling that the public is behind us and behind Jonathan in this," he said.
Ginsburg also thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an announcement that he would issue an appeal to the White House.
"We are certain that President Obama, as someone who sets the standards on sensitivity to human rights and compassion, will not disappoint in this case," he added.
"Time is running out. We continue to act and hope that President Peres, who is known for his good relationship with Obama, will pick up the phone, back the prime minister, and ask in the name of the Israeli people that he respond positively."
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