Parties unite in call for Jonathan Pollard's release
By GIL HOFFMAN The Jerusalem Post 01/06/2013 16:36
http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=298586

Ten parties across the political spectrum sign a letter asking Peres to
increase efforts to bring about release of Israeli agent.

Various party representatives campaign for Pollard Photo: courtesy

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 Israeli agent 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 who
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 the
letter.

"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."