When President Obama travels to Israel this month, he will be presented with a request to let Jonathan Pollard out of prison on the basis of time served. No doubt, he has served enough time, and we have no desire to see him suffer.
However, we will neither be surprised nor consider it unfair if Obama rejects Netanyahu’s plea for Pollard. Just check the petition to Obama to release Pollard. So far, it is signed by 103,000 people. Based on the version provided to JTA, there is not a word in it about Pollard’s crime of spying, and not a word in it expressing remorse for this crime by either Pollard or by the petitioners. Basically, Pollard’s defenders really don’t believe he did anything wrong.
That’s why their efforts have failed so far and, as we say, why we won’t be surprised if they fail again.
Read related IJN editorial, "Pollard lobby over the top — just ask Alan Gross"
Copyright © 2013 by the Intermountain Jewish News
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