Esther Pollard Ends Hunger Strike

Sari Makover - Ma'ariv - August 16, 1996

(Translated from Hebrew)

Esther Pollard's hunger strike, which went on for 19 days, came to an end following a three-way meeting between her, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Rishon Letzion, Ha'Rav Mordecai Eliahu.

The meeting which brought the hunger strike to an end took place upon the return of Ha'Rav Mordecai Eliahu from a week's visit to the United States - a trip dedicated to visiting Jonathan Pollard and to meetings and activities to further his release.

The day after his return, Ha'Rav Mordecai Eliahu accompanied Esther Pollard to an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister. During the meeting the Prime Minister committed himself to seeking the immediate release of Jonathan Pollard.

In light of the substantive commitment made by the Prime Minister, Ha'Rav Eliahu instructed Esther Pollard to end her hunger strike.

He assured her that the Prime Minister's commitment was reliable and he gave his blessing saying that, with G-d's help, she will celebrate this Rosh Hashana with her husband.

"Ha'Rav Eliahu has guaranteed the commitments made by the Prime Minister, and has given his full support to their fulfillment," said Esther Pollard to Ma'ariv.