New York – Editorial: Re-Examining the Pollard Issue

    146

    Famous photo printed all over the world the arrest of Jonathan Pollard in 1986New York – This is yet another article that will probably generate controversy in some circles within the Jewish community. Our history, however, since the rise of the Talmud and before, has always been one of intense analysis, debate, thought and discussion. This political issue is no different, and it is perhaps time for another point of view to be presented.

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    Pollard was a United States civilian intelligence analyst convicted in 1987 of handing over state secrets in spying for Israel. He was sentenced in March of 1987 to life in prison. Since then, numerous Jewish organizations have stood completely behind Jonathan Pollard – not just in terms of advocating for his freedom, but in actually advocating for his outlook and perspective as well.

    It could be reasonably argued that what has kept Pollard in jail for so long is precisely this outlook and perspective.

    Before we begin, it should be noted that on Nov 21st, 2015, Jonathan Pollard will be set free. The reason for this is a relatively little known clause in the federal sentencing guidelines that existed at the time of Pollard’s sentencing. The clause stated that in a life sentence where the defendant is eligible for parole, after thirty years and with good behavior – the defendant can walk out of jail a free man. At this point, Pollard has 5 and ½ years left to serve in jail.

    Those guidelines were changed in April of 1987. Pollard, however, was unaffected by the change. He still walks out a free man.

    It might also be argued that our Jewish organizations, caring and wonderful though they may be, have failed in their responsibility to tell Pollard that what he did was wrong, that he should express and demonstrate genuine remorse, and that he should appear before the Parole Board. Seeking parole was something that Pollard was eligible for since 1993. He has steadfastly refused to do so. Instead, he insist upon his receiving clemency.

    Pollard made some hefty decisions that were wrong – dead wrong. Handing over state secrets is a criminal act that constitutes something called “Moraid BeMalchus” (see Talmud tractate Shabbos 56a) – rebelling against the government. One might argue that, halachically,saving innocent lives takes precedence to the prohibition of rebelling against the government, but this is only the case when the saving of innocent life is direct. Here, however, there was no direct saving of innocent lives and, according to the government authorities, the Mardus against the government extended not just to assist Israel – but to other nations as well. According to government sources directly contacted by this author, Mr. Pollard also attempted to give away state secrets to South Africa and Pakistan, and wished to work out illegal arms deals with Afghanistan.

    In other words, what Mr. Pollard did was horrific.

    He violated the law by acting in a treacherous manner to the government of the United States. We, the Jewish community should be seeking his freedom after so many years of incarceration, but we should also tell him, “Jonathan – you were wrong and you should express real, genuine remorse. We appreciate your support of Israel but you stabbed your country in the back. You should not be holding out for clemency – you should beg for forgiveness before the Parole Board. You are not a hero and you should not construe what you have done as heroic. No good Jew would have done what you did, notwithstanding your love for Israel. Did your actions benefit Israel? Yes, absolutely. But going into Fort Knox, stealing American gold, and giving it to Israel, would also benefit Israel. It would also be very wrong and is inexcusable.”

    Some may argue, no Pollard – No Israeli attack on the Osirik Iraqi reactor. Inquiries with those who have an intimate familiarity with these things, however, reveal that this was not the case. Regardless, however, we should also be telling the State of Israel, “Much as we support you, what you did was endanger a great friendship and that was wrong.”

    Ahavas Yisroel and a love for humanity are central themes to who we are as Jews. A brotherly concern and a love of Israel are things that most Jews care for deeply. But it should not be to the point where we accept and rubber-stamp all behaviors, outlooks and attitudes.

    Now, should we be fighting for Pollard’s freedom? Yes, but only in the proper way. He has been in jail for too long, true, but only because of his obstinacy. It is an ancient tenet in Judaism (see Sefer Chassidim 26) that when a person has no mercy upon himself – we should not have mercy upon him. Pollard should ask for parole and should not spend the next five and ½ years in jail.

    Pollard has demonstrated an incapacity to see his own error and we have been afraid to tell it to him. He has become or has always been a hero in his own mind, and, ultimately, like the Shvatim when Yoseph declared to them, “I am Joseph..” – will be in a state of shock [or denial] when faced with the stark truth that the act was far from heroic.

    Instead of being heroic, he has endangered a precious relationship with the Jewish State. This relationship has been carefully forged for over six decades by some remarkably intelligent, patriotic, and caring people who serve this nation in government service, in the armed forces, and in the civilian ranks of this fine country that we live in. The United States of America is a country described by the greatest of our Rabbis as a “malchus shel chessed” – a government of lovingkindness – and one that we should surely appreciate.

    Pollard, unquestionably, threw back the status of Jewish people in this country a half century at least. There is distrust in the air because of Pollard’s actions. Jews are no longer trusted in the highest echelons in government because of Jonathan Pollard and because our Jewish organizations have behaved incorrectly in embracing Pollard’s delusional perspectives rather than convincing him, for his own good, to grow up and make things right.

    Sumner Shapiro, a Jewish Admiral that was the Director of Naval Intelligence in this country for many decades summed it up best when he told the Washington Post in 1998, “We work so hard to establish ourselves and to get where we are, and to have somebody “–“ it up . . . and then to have Jewish organizations line up behind this guy and try to make him out a hero of the Jewish people, it bothers the “-“ out of me.”

    Not only was Shapiro right, but it very well might be our tacit acceptance of Pollard’s outlook and perspective that probably keeps him in federal prison – by backing up his refusal to even request a parole hearing.

    Pollard, his legal team, and spokespeople claim that the reason Pollard does not request a parole hearing is because it is certain that it will be refused. The rationale that they provide is that a definitive and certain “no” before a parole board will most assuredly jeopardize any future request for clemency.

    But is this really the case? Pollard gets out in five and one half years. How will this jeopardize a future request for clemency? It will more likely open up an entirely new venue for pressure – parole. Also, clemency is clemency and is not unduly subject to the thoughts of people on a parole board. It is more likely that the reason for Pollard’s refusal to seek parole is that it is “embarrassing” and not the hero’s release that Pollard wants.

    And we are all playing into this game. Like loving bubbies, who find no fault in their adorable grandchild, we are enabling him to remain confined in his prison, and at the same time create a new narrative for the events that have occurred – a paradigm that continues a cycle of mistrust, and of playing the anti-semitism card in inappropriate and wrong venues thus just causing more anti-semitism.

    A request for parole is a first step that must be taken in his genuine rehabilitation – in admitting error. The conventional thinking regarding clemency is that a sitting president might consider releasing Pollard in some sort of broad-sweeping Middle-East deal. A request for parole will make it easier, not harder for a president to do that – at least the person showed visible remorse.

    While we are at it, another one of our problems is our attempt to generate support within our own Jewish community, by not – at the outset – fully disclosing the facts behind the case. When we are all out there busily fighting for clemency for Pollard, do the Jewish organizations tell us that he has not even asked for a parole hearing? Do they mention the issues of spying for South Africa and Pakistan?

    Why is it that we Jews have to find these things out for ourselves, and not from the organizations that are requesting our support? Are we, the Jewish people so childish and immature that we cannot be trusted to make our own decisions with all the pertinent information? The best way to get Pollard released is to stop the obstinacy, to accept that what was done was genuinely wrong, to be truly remorseful, and to ask to be paroled.

    So as not to be accused of not hearing both sides and just hearing the side of the United States government, let us briefly look at all 54 statements about Pollard that are found on the website www.jonathanpollard.org. The reader is urged to independently look at the 54 statements and examine them. Here we shall just comment on a few of them them.

    Statements 1 through 5 are designed to appeal to our sense that Pollard was aware of information that directly put Israeli lives in danger and then went on to provide Israel with that information. This is information that comes directly from his side – and is clearly the best possible accompanying explanation to his behavior that is possible. Whether the progression of events actually occurred in this manner is highly questionable. The facts presented by the government employees show that he was giving information to other countries beforehand. Most of the material that he stole had nothing to do with Israel. His behavioral patterns both in college and in his career prior to his arrest are indicative of an unstable mindset – of a person obsessed with the intrigue of the world of espionage.

    But it is the attitude that is the point of concern. The attitude is a non-repentant one. It is an attitude that some of our Jewish leaders are, unfortunately, supporting.

    The website claims that the FBI concluded that Pollard acted for ideological reasons only. This claim was one that I could not verify. Also, after checking with government sources who are familiar with espionage trials, most judges do not fine spies. It just doesn’t happen.

    The government did believe that Pollard for the most part cooperated, but they also felt that he did not come completely clean in regard to his attempt to work out arms deals with Afghanistan rebels. They felt that there was a possibility that he may have divulged classified information. This could not be proven and the government attorneys chose not to pursue it. They believe that both he and Anne did cooperate.

    The government attorneys also said that there was never any recommendation that Pollard never be paroled. This is simply incorrect and misinformation. Not only that, but they never asked for a life sentence – only a substantial sentence.

    In short, Pollard should ask for a parole hearing. Jewish askanim, leaders, and organizations should help him, but not buy into the outlook and perspective that he has been promoting. What Pollard did was quite damaging to this country, to Israel, and to the Jewish community. Our approach in how we deal with Pollard has had some negative effects as well. The purpose of this article is not for the author to become the recipient of further hate e-mail and abuse. It is to spark discussion about this important issue. Perhaps it may even spark a new approach in how we should be dealing both with Pollard and with other issues that arise within the Jewish community. The approach must be to check whether the information we are receiving is not just the unfiltered, sanitized version of events from one side. Like the dayanim of a halachic judicial ruling, we should examine the evidence from all sides. We must do so independently. When we fail to do so and advocate political positions that cause intelligent people to turn their heads in bewilderment, we are not doing ourselves or anyone else justice.

    The author can be reached at [email protected]

    Editors Note: You’re welcome to post your comments, please do so with respect.


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    146 Comments
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    David
    David
    14 years ago

    I don’t necessarily agree with everything in this article, but, leaving my own opinions out of it for the moment, I’d like to offer my congratulations to the author for presenting his views in a manner that was intelligent, well-researched, thoughtful and not inflammatory. Would that we could see more political debate at this level!

    Phillip
    Phillip
    14 years ago

    Pollard should rot in prison for the rest of his life. What he did was for pay….
    nothing noble about selling your countries secrets for money.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Yasher koach Rabbi Hoffman! Another great editorial as usual.

    Finally
    Finally
    14 years ago

    Finally!
    I have done my research too, and I understood that the reason why JP never filed for parole was for the same self centered mentality that got him where he is today, Nowere
    HE was greedy in the 80’s, got sloppy, and is paying the conseq
    He was not stable back then (how he got access to classified docs is part of the Navy’s embarrassment), and 20 plus years in jail will only add to it-
    Do I daven that he should get released? Yes everyday- but you can’t expect to win the lotto without buying a ticket-

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    i agree with what you write 100 percent. i happen to live in israel, and i also happen to be a u.s citzen, and i srongly feel that that israelis dont care at all what side effects will happen from what they do. and everybody can be trapped into thinking that what they do is right when in fact it could be dead wrong. so if you are in the u.s. army and you feel that your goverment is doing something wrong, go to a judge and ask him, dont be the judge yourself………

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Why is it anyone’s business what Pollard decides to do? Jonathan Pollard is his own man and he acted alone. He knew what he was doing and he paid the price. Pollard made some powerful enemies (King of Saudi Arabia) and his jail-term was part of an appeasement strategy at a time when U.S. dependence on Saudi oil was inordinately high. But thanks to Pollard, the Saudis never got the nukes and they got a huge slap in the face.

    Dave
    Dave
    14 years ago

    Presumptive parole dates are not, so far as I know, guaranteed. My understanding is that they may be opposed by the government.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    I have been promoting the idea of pardoning Pollard for years based on 1 primary fact- no one who has ever spied for an ally has ever spent this much time in jail.
    I have also spoken to many politicians about Pollard, and i will quote 2 of them:

    Anthony Weiner- I have seen the “so called” secret documents on the case, and there is nothing more damaging in there

    Joe Lieberman- What do you expect the USA to do when the Israeli government has never pressured the USA for Pollards release?

    I wont even put Charles Schumers quote in because those of you who still have any respect for this moron, will certainly lose it.

    I am shocked that the Yeshiva students today have no clue who Joanthan Pollard is.
    I am shocked that when so called ” frum” organizations go on lobbying trips to Washington, Pollard is never mentioned.

    What Pollard did was a crime- HOWEVER, he did his time and punishment.

    How about Agudah, Chabad, and every organization that that had no issue emailing and calling on behalf of a convicted murderer( Grossman), get behind the Pollard effort?

    Kudos to Rabbi Pesach Lerner of Young Israel for being the lone voice for years promoting the Pollard cause.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    “Before we begin, it should be noted that on Nov 21st, 2015, Jonathan Pollard will be set free.”

    This is THEE most shocking piece of information i heard in a loooong time… Is this true though? How come no one ever mentioned this?

    I don’t believe it…..

    ShatzMatz
    ShatzMatz
    14 years ago

    I agree with Rabbi Hoffman’s assesment of the situation.

    May years ago I heard a lecture from a former chief of staff of Senator Monihan, who stated emphtically that the confrontational attitude of the right-wing Pollard supporters have kept him locked up all these years. The hardliners created a situation that if the goverment released Pollard it would be an implicit green light for jews throughout goverment to betray their country for ideological reasons. Had the attitude have been how terrible Pollard’s actions were and how reprehensible he is percieved by American jews, a case could have been made for clemency.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    finnaly a smart voice from a smart jew who dosn’t behave like all the rest in a ‘monkey say monkey do’ pattern. thank you rabbi hofmann for again saing it right!

    cholent
    cholent
    14 years ago

    if the information presented regarding the sale of information, and possibly arms, to other countries,is correct,then there is a potent argument to have jonathon ask for parole,rather than seeking clemency. being obstinate in refusing to seek parole for no valid reason raises the question why so many mosdos, leaders, and national groups, are putting so much political capital on the line.
    a point NOT made by the writer, and one frequently forgotten ,is that pollard was motivated by greed and the desire for financial enrichment, in addition to, if any,. true zionistic /israeli redemption and salvation. in fact, with his willingness to SELL information to other countries, in ADDITION to Israel, he proved that he was a true traitor to the USA.
    lest we forget, we are living, according to all gedolim, in a true medinas hachesed, and any action that jeapordizes our safety, and our reputation as good citizens, may one day ,chas ve’sholom, come back to haunt us.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    People do bad things; most regret it after, like Pollard and Grossman, etc…. But he was sentence to prison FOR LIFE for just one count. Forget about the fact that Pollard is Jewish, why doesn’t the article say anything about the unusual sentencing of life in prison. Most spies have got one to two years compared to the same crime. No one is arguing that he’s innocent, after all he did plea guilty. The reason why he got such a harsh punishment is because he is Jewish, and we must remember that. That’s why OUR Jewish brothers come with big noise to help out another Jewish person. The mitzvah of pidyon shvuim applies 100% in this case and who ever once wrote a letter or called the president requesting his release will definitely get sechar for this. CONTINUED NEXT POST…

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    The government in this case is wrong for keeping him in jail for so long time as a bargain chip against Israel. Had it been a different county nobody would ever hear this story…..Look at the Hamas terrorist kill in Dubai, one less terrorist, WHO CARES about this guy, the world is a better place ever since he was killed. Yet you keep hearing about it in the news over and over every day. The reason is because it’s against Israel / Jews. Keep this in mind if you think Pollard should remain in jail. The Fact is that a Person’s life was wasted in jail because he was Jewish and not because the crime he did.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Thank you Rabbi Hoffman for oustanding article once again. Your comments are true and wise. We must not be hasty in our decisions on this or any other serious matter without hearing both sides of the story. Then and only then should we come to our own conclusions.

    FVNMS
    FVNMS
    14 years ago

    Since most of us only got involved with the whole Pollard cause when we were hit with campaigns to demand his freedom, it is safe to assume that the overwhelming majority of Jews know nothing about the circumstances of the affair. Myself included. I am not embarrassed by this, as it is highly unlikely that anyone has the time, resources or interest to thoroughly research all of what happens in the world.

    What I am ashamed of, however, is having jumped on the “Free Pollard Now!” bandwagon without an iota of knowledge as to what went on behind the scenes. Not knowing because I was deliberately not told. So, when Bush was leaving office, I obeyed the hyped up pressure by the masses and called the White House hotline and left a long message complete with my name. I will never do this again. Why? Because emes, seichel, independent thinking and above all, Kiddush HaShem vs. Chillul HaShem, principles and integrity matter most to me. I so couldn’t care less about the popularity of the cause or all of the trite scoldings I will receive (Pidyon shvuyim! Jewish blood isn’t cheap! etc).

    It is for the above reason that I did not call Gov. Crist like many of us did regarding Mr. Grossman.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Rabbi Hoffman, thank you for another smart and well-articulated article. Your words are like a breath of fresh air. It gives me chizuk to know that, Baruch Hashem, there are still some straight-thinking leaders among us. You should be gebencht!

    Raphael Kaufman
    Raphael Kaufman
    14 years ago

    Pollard also tried to recruit other Jews in sensitive positions to be part of his “ring”. He got caught when they turned him in. In addition to the the crimes for which he was convicted, and in addition to the hubris that he maintains, Pollard has cast the shadow of suspicion on every Jew who serves this country. It is very difficult to have compassion for this oisvarf.

    Dan
    Dan
    14 years ago

    It’s at the point where if our leading organizations beckon us to do something, it’s probably a bad idea. What a wonderful state of affairs. I’m so proud.

    ceebee
    ceebee
    14 years ago

    Excellent piece. Great information that most people don’t have and a refreshing, vital, new perspective. This case and how it is handled by all involved is just another of many instances when we must ask ourselves as Torah Jews, ” what does Hashem want” not our individual and collective egos or even misguided and misdirected indignation. Thank you for the facts. Y’Yasher Kochacho.

    Pashuteh Yid
    Pashuteh Yid
    14 years ago

    I agree with Rabbi Hoffman. In addition, I read a while back that he did it for money, and not for ideology, as evidenced by being paid to give documents to other countries besides Israel.

    We don’t fully know the damage he did. Maybe certain codes and methods for keeping agents safe and transmissions secure were violated that could be very hard to redesign and replace.

    The claim that Israel was promised certain intelligence re Iraq is not an excuse. There are better and legitimate ways to go about making sure Israel gets the info the US supposedly promised, via pressure on congressmen to make sure deals are kept, etc.

    In addition, he created a big mess for those of us who need security clearances to do our work and who are honest. It takes a huge amount of additional time for Jews to get one in the aftermath of this affair, especially if one has any relatives living in Israel.

    While I pray for his release, and that he shouldn’t suffer, however, I cannot sign any petitions on his behalf, since that would be saying I agree with or minimize what he did, which was in fact an egregious crime.

    Shmuel
    Shmuel
    14 years ago

    R Ahron Soloveichik z”l was within a hairsbreath of getting Pollard released close to 15 years ago He and Dr David Lukens a talmid of his and an assistant to Sen Patrick Moynahan worked out a deal where Pollard would admit wrongdoing and ask for clemency in exchange for his release. Pollard was ready to go along until Avi Weiss got involved and advised him not to confess The deal was scuttled and Pollard sits to this day Avi Weiss was guilty of gross rabbinic misconduct

    A lesson for everyone
    A lesson for everyone
    14 years ago

    “Ahavas Yisroel and a love for humanity are central themes to who we are as Jews. A brotherly concern and a love of Israel are things that most Jews care for deeply. But it should not be to the point where we accept and rubber-stamp all behaviors, outlooks and attitudes.”
    I would love to see the above lines posted anywhere and everywhere for all Yidden to see. Especially BECAUSE you are a Jew, you should behave appropriately and not think that you can do what you wish and get away with it! We are Yidden and we have to show the world that Yidden are mentchen, Torah abiding people and a law abiding nation!
    LOSE THE ‘BISHVILI NIVRA HA’OLOM’ ATTITUDE and stop destroying everyone in your path!

    Professor
    Professor
    14 years ago

    I agree with Rabbi Hoffman’s sober analysis. Pollard should
    definitely request clemency and show remorse.

    A Yid
    A Yid
    14 years ago

    By Rabbi Hoffman’s reasoning, Mordechai and Esther should have received life sentences for espionage and being “morid b’malchus”.
    Sorry, I would sooner trust Alan Dreshowitz who has advocated for Pollard then a writer who relies on unnamed “sources”.

    bigwheeel
    bigwheeel
    14 years ago

    Rabbi Hoffman; I agree 100% with your statements and opinions in this highly valuable article. As I agreed with you on the last major issue. It seems, at times that we swim against the tide. You put words to our thoughts (Those few of us that agree with you opinion.) and feelings. My question, at times, is; Are we a nation of sheep?! Speaking of the herd mentality. The same applies to whether there should be, or, whether we should attend concerts. It looks like we have lost our moral compass. Innocent actions are sometimes condemned, while other, blatantly wrong endeavors are encouraged. My only misgivings about the Pollard case, as presented by the Federal Government, were in the fact that the main presenter of the case Caspar Weinberger, the son of an apostate Jew, who himself was not considered Jewish from an Halachic perspective. Yet, he was so self-conscious that he went out of his way to minimize anything Positive about Israel and the Jews and blow out of proportion any Negative activities involving Israel or Jews in general!!!

    Hezy
    Hezy
    14 years ago

    How sad to see American Jews denouncing the only one amongst them who had the guts to stand up and save his fellow Jews. Pathetic article.

    Thank you!
    Thank you!
    14 years ago

    Once again, the intelligent voice of Rabbi Hoffman gives me hope that our people haven’t all lost their minds. Thank you!

    Lover of Israel
    Lover of Israel
    14 years ago

    I am disgusted by some of the comments on this article as I am on the gross inaccuracies and lack of quoting any real sources in the article. Besides bordering on loshon hara this piece is a complete rant. Pollard has expressed remorse over and over again. He is not eligible for parole ina ny real and meaningful way. No where did anyone prove he sold secrets to another country and finally he was not acting alone as the State of Israel has admitted he was acting as their agent. One last halachic piece of interest “mored hamalchut” applies to a Jewish sovereign entity i.e. Jewish Kingdom and not a non Jewish country. Most politicians across the political spectrum admit he has been in jail way too long.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    What he did was wrong, but I think he served his time by now

    Shaul in Monsey
    Shaul in Monsey
    14 years ago

    Rabbi Hoffman’s article is well thought out. If there is a flaw in his logic it is in his failure to appreciate the sheer length of Pollard’s term. Positive attitude or not, at some point a convict is even with the house and in my opinion Pollard has done his time. A convict that does his time doesn’t also owe remorse. So from that perspective, Hoffman’s article is probably 12 years too late. He’s not wrong, but timing is everything.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    The problem with Jewish apologists through the ages has always been that they pepper their arguments with some truth to give credence to conclusions that are utterly misguided. Pollard saved Israel and the west from a calamity. He has paid the price for it – more than anyone else convicted of similar actions. At this point unified effort should be – let him out because he has served enough time – please do not think that the fact that he is a Jew that helped Israel does play into his long incarceration. As for the Admiral – sir – no matter how hard and long you try – those that do not like Jews will always find a reason to say that “you messed it up”. This country has been and is good to Jews – do not be naive – without the State of Israel our position even in this wonderful country would be threatened.

    Rabbi Hoffman – your voice of reason in this case is dangerous. All I hear is another apologist that further strenghtens our enemies.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Over the past several years, there has been a growing pattern of yidden supporting other yidden who have committed terrible crimes based on a distorted notion of piduon shivuiim and a perverted idea that we must support another yid no matter how horrendous their crimes and a determination of their guilt under the law of the country where their times were committed. Not only are these yidden guilty of crimes like treason, theft, drug smuggling, child and spousal abuse, fraud and tax evasion, cases like Pollard, the Dwek conspirators in NJ, SMR etc. jeopardize the lives of Yidden throughout the world by fanning the flames of antisemitism and perpetuate the images of jews as money-grubbing shylock stereotypes. We should not appologize for these criminals and anyone seeking to excuse their behavior and help them evade justice and punishment are themselves guilty of risking yiddeshe lives.

    Insider
    Insider
    14 years ago

    Pollard was absolutely not motivated by pay. Read the official record and see that the Israeli government insisted that he accept money. It was only then that Pollard accepted a token payment. Further, the accusation that Pollard tried to peddle secret information to foreign governments other than Israel is pure unadulterated fiction. I would use other words, but VIN’s standards of speech are high and I wish to keep well within its limits. Pollard is a hero. Period. The plain fact is that Pollard saved thousands, tens of thousands, of Jewish lives. During the first Persian Gulf War, face masks were distributed by the Israeli government as well as by the U.S. Department of Defense. Why? Because Pollard revealed Sadaam Hussein’s proclivity to use chemical warfare. When Sadaam knew that Israelis and American soldiers had face gas masks, he refrained from using chemical warfare. Were it not for Pollard’s “crime”, ten’s of thousands of Israelis and American soldiers would be lying in graves today. And yes, that does make Jonathon Pollard a Hero. Pollard is paying a price for his act of heroism. By all that is right, the entire Jewish community should share in his pain. Let Pollard Go!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Free JP movement is just another veichle for the “state of israel above USA” idaoligy. it is dangeorous and foolish. hashem put most of klal yisroel in america and we enjoy grear freedoms here. we should appreciate it and be totally loyal to our kind goverment. let not the hot heads bamboozel us with their propaganda which is meant for their own benefit. this is excactly what happened 70 years ago when the so called rabbis urged the US goverment to sit idol in regards to saving the jews in euroupe. this people are our biggest enemeis. We have to stick to our principles and follow what the torah says. if we do that we will be zoiche to moshiach

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    “The government attorneys also said that there was never any recommendation that Pollard never be paroled. This is simply incorrect and misinformation. Not only that, but they never asked for a life sentence – only a substantial sentence.”

    Are these the same gov’t attorneys who successfully fought to prevent Pollard’s lawyers from seeing Weinberger’s “Victim Impact Statement”? Since neither Pollard’s lawyers or the public know what’s in that statement, I refuse to believe the gov’t attorneys.

    “it should be noted that on Nov 21st, 2015, Jonathan Pollard will be set free.”

    That will never happen. Either the gov’t will find some other charges to level against him, or they will arrange for another inmate to kill him.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Ain bo mitzva al yiday avera.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    I can just imagine if israel would of caught an us spy just imagine the pressure and I m sure they would of released him even b4 trial…

    UseYourBrains
    UseYourBrains
    14 years ago

    “According to government sources directly contacted by this author, Mr. Pollard also attempted to give away state secrets to South Africa and Pakistan, and wished to work out illegal arms deals with Afghanistan.”

    Are these “government sources” the same people who looked away from the abuse Mr. Pollard suffered in prison? Are these the “government sources” who kept this man in jail for giving secrets to a friend of the US, while spies for our enemies went free with half the prison time?

    “Rabbi” Yair Hoffman, can you call yourself a rabbi when you accept this glaringly obvious Loshon Hora about your brother?

    And who are your sources? They are the same government people who have no scruples about besmirching this man, this friend of the US, to save their own hide.

    Kudos to you for valuing the words of anti-Semites over those of your brother.

    A.L.G. responds with
    A.L.G. responds with
    14 years ago

    I am tired of you way out lefties remember we are in gulis and dont think usa is our geula we are not to judge polard for what he did but remember one thing we are jews and in gulis and being an american come first in your mind then you shoul remember what happend in germany of all of us who thought they were germans

    Shlomo
    Shlomo
    14 years ago

    I have visited Pollard, have any of you who are posting the comments that he should rot in jail visited him or wrote to him? Have any of you that are posting that Mr. Hoffman is correct, done research to get the correct facts? Did you know that the judge sentanced him to LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE? Did you know that he cant apply for parole until 2/3 of his sentance is done, and that its known when the time comes upand when he requests it he will get a 15 year set back, which means he cant appear before the board for 15 YEARS. He never spied for any other country but Israel, and do you know how many lives were saved because of the information he gave over. Do you know that he is very sick and is being denied medical care. DO YOU CARE? I welcome someones opinion but where is the rachmanus for someone who has been in jail for 25 years?

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Why is everyone who is attacking Rabbi Hoffman not realizing that he asked that Pollard be encouraged to seek parole?

    YIPPEE
    YIPPEE
    14 years ago

    Once again, Rabbi Hoffman writes a great piece showing how silly we are in terms of focusing our sympathy and support on the wrong people.

    .
    .
    14 years ago

    “I am shocked that the Yeshiva students today have no clue who Joanthan Pollard is.
    I am shocked that when so called ” frum” organizations go on lobbying trips to Washington, Pollard is never mentioned.

    What Pollard did was a crime- HOWEVER, he did his time and punishment.”

    Yeshiva students don’t know what DNA is, you expect them to know who Pollard is. And Pollard gets too much attention, not to little. Spies may get get parole, and perhaps Pollard does deserve it. Before you cry discrimination though, realize that he’s never even applied for parole. There’s no reason he should get a pardon other than the ridiculous lobbying that goes on for him.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Pollard
    “At the time of Pollard’s sentencing there was a rule that mandated parole at thirty years for prisoners like him if they had maintained a clean record in prison. That parole date would be November 21, 2015. Also, Pollard was eligible to apply for parole after eight years and six months, though he has never done so. [31] Pollard has never been accused of violating prison rules or engaging in behavior that would jeopardize his chances of parole, thus it seems likely in 2015 he will qualify for parole.”

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Tomoya Kawakita was convicted of treason in 1952 for his actions on behalf of Japan in WW2, and Adam Yahiye Gadahn is currently charged with treason for his actions on behalf of Al Qaeda. In between, no one was charged with treason, because their actions did not meet the Constitutional definition. In addition the definition of marriage should be defined as a union between a man and a woman. To suggest otherwise is against the Torah and utterly shocking…

    Dave
    Dave
    14 years ago

    Precedent was set during the Bush Administration.

    Attorney General Gonzales intervened (under what appear to be questionable circumstances) to block a mandatory parole release. Here is an article in 2009.

    So, mandatory parole may not be quite so mandatory.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    RE; to No. 97. I am ,equally, shocked at how many NON Yeshiva students don’t know who Pollard is .

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    RE; to # 113. Assuming, he is ; Not a big Metziah .

    from here to there...
    from here to there...
    14 years ago

    I have heard that he has never filed for parole AND has never filed for a pardon/clemency. these things will not be granted if he doesn’t ask.