Youth Demonstrate For Pollard

July 31, 1998 - Media Release

Simultaneous demonstrations by Israeli youth were held yesterday (July 30, 1998) in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem, in support of Jonathan Pollard.

The demonstrations were held on the eve of Jonathan's 44th birthday, (his 14th in prison) according to the Hebrew calendar.

In Jerusalem, scores of youngsters from the Ezra and Bnai Akiva movements gathered in front of the American Consulate carrying birthday cakes and signs calling for Pollard's immediate release. The same scene was duplicated in Tel Aviv in front of the American Embassy.

Esther Pollard, wife of Jonathan Pollard, was invited to address the demonstrators in Tel Aviv. She spoke movingly about the urgency of bringing Jonathan home, now before it is too late. The Israeli government, she said, is currently preparing to release another 100 Palestinian terrorists from Israeli prisons as a gesture which the Americans requested.* Where, she asked is America's gesture towards us?

According to the Gregorian calendar, Jonathan's birthday is August 7th. Mrs. Pollard pointed out that there is ample time for the government to press the US for a reciprocal gesture in time for Jonathan to celebrate his birthday in freedom.

* Source: Yediot Achrohnot, July, 30, 1998