Conference of Presidents Expresses Dismay at Pollard's Inability to Attend Father's Funeral

Media Release - June 20, 2011

Richard B. Stone, Chairman
Malcolm I. Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman

Media Contact: Malcolm Hoenlein, 212-318-6111

CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS EXPRESSES DISMAY AT POLLARD'S INABILITY TO ATTEND FATHER'S FUNERAL

New York, June 20, 2011 - Richard Stone, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations expressed dismay and regret that Jonathan Pollard was not allowed to attend the funeral of his father.

"We believe that this humanitarian gesture was warranted. It underscores the need for prompt action to release Jonathan Pollard after 25 years of imprisonment. His sentence is disproportionate to others who have committed similar crimes. Mr. Pollard has expressed remorse for his actions and has paid a heavy personal price as was witnessed today. The pursuit of justice should be tempered with compassion and we renew our humanitarian plea for his release," said Stone and Hoenlein.

The Conference of Presidents is the central coordinating body representing 51 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern.