November 21, 2004

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

Full 19 years have passed since Jonathan Pollard – a man who served the State of Israel, started his endless prison term. Pollard’s only fault was that he transferred to Israel, one of the closest allies of the United States of America, information important for its safety, and causing no damage to the USA. For this Pollard has been sentenced to life in prison.

Life imprisonment is a monstrous punishment for Pollard’s offence that in
American law books deserves from 2 to 4 years in prison. No agent of allied country has ever received in the USA such a severe punishment for a similar crime. For example, South-Korean agent Robert Kim, for a similar crime has been sentenced to 9 years in prison and was released after 7 years. Saudi-Arabian agent Michael Schwartz didn’t receive even one day in prison for a similar crime. Pollard’s excessive punishment is a reflection of the attitude of the US towards her staunchest Middle East ally – Israel.

Mr. Prime Minister, we think that only determination and independence on the part of Israel’s leaders in the protection of their country’s interests can result in the establishment of really fair, equal, and friendly relations between Israel and the United States. Abandonment of your agent in the US prison obviously doesn’t contribute to a relationship based on equality and fairness.

In according with humane traditions of our people, we call upon you to request of the President of the United States to review the case of Jonathan Pollard as soon as possible. There have been clear indications recently that President Bush is ready to review this case, and among them was an offer of the American Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Kurtzer that he passed to you about three months ago, advising you to submit an official request for Pollard’s release.

With wishes of success in your crucial work for the good of People and the State of Israel,

Vitaly Raevsky
President, AMERICANS FOR ERETZ YISRAEL (THE HOLY LAND)

Alexander Dymshits
Project Director, AMERICANS FOR ERETZ YISRAEL (THE HOLY LAND)

AMERICANS FOR ERETZ YISRAEL (THE HOLY LAND)
Coalition of American organizations
 
Vitaly Raevsky
Jewish Native Land, NJ

Iosif Lakhman
Antifascist Association, MA

Yana Bari
Patriots on Action, GA

Semen Kaganov,
Kolorado Jewish
Association, CO

Lazar Faynleyb
 Our Israel, PA

Boris Rivkin
Friends of Israel, CA

Sabina Pello
Americans by Values, IL

Igor Tsesarsky
Continent Media, IL

Alex Rashkovsky
Shalom Israel Fund, IL

Vitaly Smilansky
  Chaverim, MA
 
Boris Blanski
LA Pro-Israel Rally, CA

Yevgeniya Gitis,
Maryland Jewish
Association, MD

Russian version