CIPAC to Clinton: Missed Opportunity to Right a Wrong and Render Justice


CIPAC

CHRISTIANS' ISRAEL PUBLIC ACTION CAMPAIGN

2013 QUE ST. N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002
TEL: ( 202) 234-3600
FAX: (202) 332 3221VIA FACSIMILE

March 29, 1994

The Honorable Bill Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

This is to express our profound shock and dismay with your recent decision not to commute the life sentence of Jonathan J. Pollard. This is a missed opportunity to right a wrong and to render justice where it is long overdue.

As I have followed this matter closely, I am convinced that the alleged damage to national security from Mr. Pollard's actions never occurred. In fact, our friend and ally Israel was enabled to defend herself and in turn protect U.S. interests.

For historical perspective, Mr. Pollard should be viewed in the context of the close strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel and the many contributions of Israeli intelligence to America's security; release of the 1956 Krushchev speech on the crimes of Stalin, the first captured MIG-21 and the sharing of intelligence on Soviet weapons systems and air defense capabilities following the 1966 Six-Day War, the 1973 Yom Kippur War and the 1982 Peace for Galilee action, among others. The 1983 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, which Pollard's immediate superiors ignored, arose out of this context. Thus, Pollard in fact may deserve our thanks for helping reduce the threats to U.S. and Israeli interests in the Middle East.

Despite the recommendations of your close advisors, we believe that no useful purpose is served by the continued incarceration of Mr. Pollard. He has been punished enough for his actions and constitutes no threat to others. I only hope that next time the opportunity arises you or your successor will judge righteously concerning Mr. Pollard

With our prayers for your health and well-being in your important role, I am

Respectfully yours,

Richard A. Hellman
President