Text: HaRav Shlomo Aviner's Psak Halacha on Jonathan Pollard

Justice4JP Release - October 17, 2004

Recurrent renegade action on the part of another activist/leader recently prompted Adi Ginzburg, head of Noar L'Man Pollard to consult HaRav Shlomo Aviner to ask for psak halacha on the following question:

"Is it permitted to work for the release of Jonathan Pollard in opposition to Jonathan's will, initiating activities, meetings and events which Jonathan strongly opposes and using tactics Jonathan disagrees with?"

Here is HaRav Aviner's psak halacha (ruling) on the matter: (A copy of the original letter in Hebrew may be viewed below this translation.)

12 Tishrei - 5765

To Adi Ginzburg

Rav shalom (warm greetings)!

In response to your question, whether it is permitted to work for Jonathan Pollard in a manner which he strongly opposes, certainly one must not do so. [This is forbidden] whether from a moral standpoint, after all he is the one serving the sentence, not us; or whether from a political standpoint, since he has much more information than we do; or whether from the standpoint of effectiveness since he is likely to work to halt initiatives which he views as counterproductive and there is no way of knowing the permanent damage that may result.

with blessing,
(signed)
Shlomo Aviner

Here is Rav Aviner's letter as it was originally written in Hebrew: