Although supporters of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard have asked that no
demonstrations be held on Pollard’s behalf during US President Barack Obama’s
visit to Israel next week, there will be a major Please Save Pollard
demonstration outside the official residence of President Shimon Peres on the
eve of Obama’s arrival.
At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Pollard supporters will
hold a rally prior to handing over a petition bearing the signatures of
approximately 150,000 people calling for his release. Pollard’s wife Esther has
appeared on television beseeching Obama to release her husband in time for
Passover, the Festival of Freedom.
She assured Obama that she and her
husband feel remorse over the acts for which he was convicted, but both believe
that the long years he has spent in prison are enough. The petition can still be
signed online.
Both Peres and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu have
assured Esther Pollard they will again raise the issue of her husband’s release
in their separate meetings with Obama.