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.
