President Shimon Peres with Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Rabbi Yosef to Peres: Have mercy on Pollard
Shas spiritual leader urges president to push for convicted spy Jonathan Pollard's pardon, following his deteriorating health. Rabbi says Peres and Obama 'have good relationship'
President Shimon Peres met Sunday morning with Shas' spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. During the meeting, Yosef called on the president to push for convicted spy Jonathan Pollard's release following his recent hospitalization and deterioration in his health.
Rabbi Yosef urged Peres to work for Pollard's release because he has a "good relationship with US President Barak Obama."
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He further asked Peres to have mercy on Pollard who has been sitting in prison for 27 years and has fallen very ill.
In response to Yosef's pleading, Peres has promised to do all he can to help Pollard.
Earlier Sunday morning, Peres met with Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Shlomo Amar and Yona Metzger. Amar expressed his concerns over the Iranian nuclear threat. In response, Peres said that he believed that Obama would not allow Iran to control the Middle East.
He further said: "It is better to go with the Americans than go against them or without them."
"I'm a man of faith. I listen for words of wisdom and encouragement from the rabbi. I believe Israel will prevail," Peres added.
