The Committee Working for Pollard's Release called on the public to send Pollard, who is recovering from recent kidney surgery ,greeting cards.
Pollard was born on August 7, 1954 in Texas. The former Naval Intelligence officer was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 1985, after being convicted of spying for Israel.
Family members were hoping Pollard would celebrate his 57th birthday as a free man, but Washington refuses to cede to calls for his release – calls that have also been reiterated by former American officials.
- (Photo: Cutesy of The Committee Working for Pollard's Release)
Pollard is still mourning the death of his father, Morris Pollard, who passed away six weeks ago. Esther, Pollard's wife, is suffering from cancer, while his own health continues to deteriorate.
Family members of the convicted spy said he has been receiving inadequate medical care since his return to prison following the surgery.
The Committee Working for Pollard's Release said his health makes it difficult for him to read all the letters he has been receiving, "But when he is up for it, he reads every single one – they're like oxygen to him," said a member of the committee.
Last week, several housing protest activists posted signs on their tents calling for Pollard's release after learning of his medical condition.
The activists sent photos of the tents to Pollard's wife, who told her jailed husband about the initiative. She later said Pollard "drew encouragement from the act."