Protestors: Obama cruel to Pollard

Dozens demand US grants Jonathan Pollard companionate leave to attend father's funeral. 'Yes you can' activist chant outside US embassy in TA

Roi Kais|Published: 06.19.11 , 22:11

"Yes you can, Obama, free Pollard!" – demanded dozens of activists protesting outside the Unites States embassy in Tel Aviv on Sunday. The demonstrators called to allow Jonathan Pollard, a former US navy intelligence analyst jailed for espionage, to leave prison in order to attend his father's funeral.

"Obama, don't be cruel, 26 years – where's the shame?" the protesters chanted.

Receive Ynetnews updates directly to your desktop

Pollard's father, Morris, passed away over the weekend at age 95 in a hospital in Indiana, without being able to bid his son farewell.

Demonstration in Tel Aviv (Photo: Ofer Amram)

Pollard's family members pled with US authorities to allow Jonathan see his dying father before he passes away, but the requests were not heeded.

The Chairman of the Knesset Lobby for Jonathan Pollard, MK Uri Ariel (National Union), participated in the demonstration and said he feels Pollard's release is within grasp. "There's a growing demand for it in the US and here," said Ariel.