Israeli parties unite in call for Pollard's release
Ten parties across the political spectrum sign a letter asking Peres to increase efforts to bring about release of Israeli agent.
Gil Hoffman - The Jerusalem Post - January 6, 2013
Ten parties from across the political spectrum joined forces over the weekend in a letter to President Shimon Peres asking him to do whatever he can to bring about the release of convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard.
The parties, which have been fighting vigorously ahead of the January 22 election, found Pollard to be an issue that unites them. The parties that signed the letter were Likud, Bayit Yehudi, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Kadima, Yesh Atid, Labor, Meretz, Strong Israel and The Tzipi Livni Party.
"Despite all the differences between us and the many arguments we have, especially at this time, it was important to us to unite and appeal to you in a a joint request on behalf of all our voters," the parties wrote. "In such times, it is hard to to think of another issue on which we can unite."
In the letter, the parties note Pollard's recent hospitalization and the fact that on November 21 he entered the 28th year of his life sentence.
They said the start of new terms in Washington and Jerusalem was an ideal time for US President Barack Obama to "turn a new leaf" in US-Israel relations by commuting Pollard's sentence to time served.
"We cannot ignore the painful reminder that this man's life could end while he is still in jail," they wrote.
"Please act to bring about Pollard's release before it is too late."
