Imprisoned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard is receiving serious pain management
medication as he continues to undergo observation, his wife Esther said Sunday
after she was updated about her husband’s medical condition.
Pollard was
hospitalized after he collapsed in his North Carolina prison cell on
Friday.
It remained unclear Sunday how long he would stay in the
hospital, and Esther said he is undergoing various medical interventions which
have not been finalized, pending further consultation.
“Because of his
long years of incarceration under harsh conditions (including seven years in
solitary confinement), inadequate nutrition and inadequate medical care,
Jonathan is suffering from numerous medical conditions,” Esther Pollard
said.
“The compounded effect of these multiple medical issues is wreaking
havoc on his overall health and threatening his ability to survive. His body is
simply worn out.”
She said she was praying very hard and asked the public
to join in prayers for Jonathan’s recovery and for his speedy release from
prison so that he could finally get the medical attention he desperately needs,
at home, in a humane and safe environment.
Prime Minister Binyamin
Netanyahu and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni both expressed hope Sunday
that Pollard would feel better soon. At the start of Sunday’s cabinet meeting,
Netanyahu wished him a speedy recovery.
“We will continue to work in
every way possible in order to bring Pollard home,” Netanyahu said.
At a
Tel Aviv press conference, Livni said she hoped Pollard, who has served more
than 27 years of a life sentence, would soon be a free man.
“It is right
for Pollard to be on the agenda and to help him publicly and not publicly,”
Livni said.