Hikind's Letter of Appeal to Hillary Clinton

Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mrs. Clinton:

I am writing to apprise you of the Jonathan Pollard case, an issue that arouses deep feeling among many Americans and New Yorkers specifically. Jonathan Pollard was convicted of espionage and sentenced to life imprisonment for transmitting secret documents to Israel. Basically, he informed Israel of danger to its existence from Syria and Iraq. He has already spent fourteen years in prison; no other spy for a U.S. ally has served more than ten years. It is the consensus among many Americans that he has more than paid the price.

I would respectfully request that you familiarize yourself with the facts of the Jonathan Pollard case, and, hopefully, you will see your way clear to becoming an advocate for Pollard's early release. Many New Yorkers feel that the length of time Pollard has spent languishing in jail is unjustifiable.

Your caring for the oppressed has shone through in all the causes you've espoused. While some of your positions have at times raised concern in the Jewish community, your recent call for a united Jerusalem has opened up a window of trust. Your advocacy of a pardon for Pollard would expand that window.

Among campaign-promise-weary New Yorkers, among citizens seeking honest leadership, actions truly speak louder than words. I am asking for your support in rectifying the injustice done to Jonathan Pollard. I am asking you to intervene with the President and the Administration to pardon Pollard at this time. Pollard has languished in jail long enough.

We are anxiously awaiting your response on this issue, which is so weighty and fraught with emotion in my community. Your unique position as the First Lady may make you the one person who can effect the release of Jonathan Pollard.

Sincerely,

Dov Hikind
Member of Assembly