Esther Pollard updated on husband’s poor health

By GIL HOFFMAN The Jerusalem Post 12/03/2012 00:59
http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishFeatures/Article.aspx?id=294360

Imprisoned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard is receiving serious pain management
medication as he continues to undergo observation, his wife Esther said
Sunday after she was updated about her husband’s medical condition.

Pollard was hospitalized after he collapsed in his North Carolina prison
cell on Friday.

It remained unclear Sunday how long he would stay in the hospital, and
Esther said he is undergoing various medical interventions which have not
been finalized, pending further consultation.

“Because of his long years of incarceration under harsh conditions
(including seven years in solitary confinement), inadequate nutrition and
inadequate medical care, Jonathan is suffering from numerous medical
conditions,” Esther Pollard said.

“The compounded effect of these multiple medical issues is wreaking havoc on
his overall health and threatening his ability to survive. His body is
simply worn out.”

She said she was praying very hard and asked the public to join in prayers
for Jonathan’s recovery and for his speedy release from prison so that he
could finally get the medical attention he desperately needs, at home, in a
humane and safe environment.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni
both expressed hope Sunday that Pollard would feel better soon. At the start
of Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Netanyahu wished him a speedy recovery.

“We will continue to work in every way possible in order to bring Pollard
home,” Netanyahu said.

At a Tel Aviv press conference, Livni said she hoped Pollard, who has served
more than 27 years of a life sentence, would soon be a free man.

“It is right for Pollard to be on the agenda and to help him publicly and
not publicly,” Livni said.