Pollard release welcomed

MEMBERS of the Australian Jewish community have welcomed news that convicted spy Jonathan Pollard will be released on parole on November 20 after serving 30 years of a life sentence in the United States.

After being arrested in 1985, Pollard was sentenced in 1987 for passing classified information to Israel while working as a civilian intelligence analyst for the US Navy.

“I’m sure everyone will feel a great joy because this was a person who acted to protect Israel from a great danger,” Rabbi Shimon Cowen, who has been campaigning for Pollard’s release, told The AJN.

“The point must be made that Pollard did not act to harm America, but acted to protect Israel.”

Dr Mat Gelman, who has also been advocating for Pollard’s release in Australia, said his release will be exciting and historic.

“Pollard has been punished and suffered terribly for helping Israel and the Jewish People,” Gelman said.

“There has been a great deal of effort around the world, including in Australia, to try and free him earlier, and it is great news that he will finally be released.”

Pollard agreed to a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to deliver national defence information to a foreign government.

As part of the plea agreement the prosecutor asked for “only a substantial number of years in prison”, but the judge sentenced Pollard to life in prison.

He is believed to be the only convicted spy in US history to be sentenced to life imprisonment for spying for an allied country.

Pollard said through his lawyer that he is looking forward to being reunited with my wife Esther. “I would like to thank the many thousands of well-wishers in the United States, in Israel and throughout the world, who provided grassroots support by attending rallies, sending letters, making phone calls to elected officials and saying prayers for my welfare,” Pollard said.

“I am deeply appreciative of every gesture, large or small.”

JOSHUA LEVI

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