A committee working for the release of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard asked Prime Minister-designate Ehud Olmert and the leaders of other Kneset parties on Wednesday to submit an additional formal request asking the United States government to grant Pollard clemency.
The Committee to Free Jonathan Pollard, with the cooperation of Pollard's wife Esther, has told Olmert that a source close to Bush told them that if Israel submits another request, it will be accepted under humanitarian considerations and as a gesture to the new Israeli government.
Pollard has been in an American jail for 21 years for spying for Israel while serving as a U.S. Navy intelligence analyst.
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The committee issued a letter on Wednesday, the eve of the Passover holiday, written by Pollard a few days ago. In the letter, he again calls on the Israeli public to act on behalf of his release.
Pollard also blasts his former recruiter and handler, incoming Knesset member Rafi Eitan, the chairman of the Pensioner's Party. Pollard blames Eitan, who was then head of a covert department dedicated to scientific and technological espionage, for his capture.
Pollard's letter, however, is mostly an account of his weakening health, due to high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic arthritis, symptoms of glaucoma, and problems with his gall bladder and sinuses.
He notes that he lacks the basic necessities to hold a Passover seder, like matzah and wine. He also describes his severe loneliness and concern for his wife, who lives in Jerusalem and works tirelessly for his release, despite what he calls the Israeli government's lack of support.
The committee called on the Israeli public to leave a chair empty for Pollard during the Passover Seder, and to read his letter out loud
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