Photo and Update on Pollard's Historic Speech to the Conference of Presidents

Justice4JPnews - January 25, 2016

New York, NY. - In a disturbing turn of events Jonathan was not able to speak to the Conference of Presidents to deliver his first speech in 30 years. He was unable to present his address at this historic event because of his Draconian parole conditions. Following a leak to the Forward prior to this private, off the record meeting, Jonathan's attorneys cautioned him that he is not a free person at this time and that anything he may say at the event will be leaked and could be used against him, no matter how inaccurate it is, or how distorted.

Jonathan was introduced as the keynote speaker this morning but made only brief remarks of thanks and introduction, explaining that the leak to the Forward had forced him to stand down. He then handed his notes to his wife Esther and stood at her side as she delivered what would have been his points. A new confidential document (a letter which was hand-delivered to President Obama by Israeli President Ruby Rivlin) was revealed during her speech and used to flesh out the current situation in which Pollard is not only prevented from working and from exercising his religious rights, but also effectively prevents him from ever reintegrating into society.

Participants of the Conference were deeply dismayed to learn that even if all of the severe Parole restrictions were removed Pollard still has 15 years (the balance of a 45 year life sentence) hanging over his head, and he will always be at risk of being thrown back into prison, for any reason, including political ones regarding Israel. In Esther Pollard's presentation, Jonathan Pollard's parole conditions and the unjust restrictions were fully explained and a lot of myths were exploded, including the media buzz claiming that Jonathan has a new Shabbat observant GPS device. This is simply not true.

Participants were cautioned not to take photographs at this private meeting. The photo below of the Pollards was taken during coffee break. It is the property of Justice4JP and may be freely reprinted with photo credit.