Rabbi Yosef to Olmert: Free Pollard

Arutz Sheva - Israel National News - May 21, 2006 - 23 Iyar 5766

(IsraelNN.com) Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef has called on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to press the American government to release Jonathan Pollard from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for passing on to Israel classified information.

The plea was delivered in a letter submitted to the Prime Minister by Shas party leader Eli Yishai. "I have received information that [Pollard's] health is deteriorating," the rabbi wrote. "We are forbidden to remain deaf. Redeeming captured [Jews] is an important mitzvah."