Mrs. Pollard Hopeful After Meeting With Peres

Mrs. Esther Pollard came away from her meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres on Sunday saying she felt hopeful that he would do his utmost to persuade President Barack Obama to release her husband during his upcoming visit to the White House, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The meeting was also attended by heads of the Knesset Caucus to Free Jonathan Pollard, MKs Nachman Shai (Labor) and Ayelet Shaked (Jewish Home), who said they were likewise convinced that Peres was more determined than ever to make his last appeal to Obama while he is still president an effective one.

Although the three have met with Peres on previous occasions, and he is quite familiar with the case, he nonetheless asked probing questions.

“He was very focused and to the point” said Pollard afterwards. Peres had said he would approach Obama as president to president, because as a president, he too receives requests for pardons and clemency, so he understands Obama’s dilemma.

Pollard described the meeting as “good” and “emotional.” She had no doubt that Peres would “pull out all the stops” in this last attempt.

“I’m very hopeful,” she said.

Shai noted that Peres was placing great significance on the Pollard case and described it as both a privilege and an obligation to try once again to secure his freedom.

In an official statement released afterward by Peres’ office, he said “It is a national responsibility to work to free Pollard, I will speak to the President of the United States on behalf of the people of Israel. I intend to do this during my meetings in Congress and at the White House.”

This article appeared in print on page 6 of the June 23rd, 2014 edition of Hamodia.