WASHINGTON - Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard metwith Israel's Ambassador to the US Michael Oren in his North Carolina prison on Tuesday. Pollard told Oren he feels helpless at being unable to be by his wife's side in her time of need.
Pollard struggled to contain his emotions discussing his wife Esther's declining health. Esther, who also attended the meeting, told the ambassador she did not know how much longer her husband could survive in jail.
Pollard pleaded with Oren to urge President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act on his behalf before it is too late. No one believed I would be here for 26 years, he said.
This is the first time in three years that Pollard has received a visit by a formal representative of the government of Israel. Pollard also mentioned his own failing health during the meeting.
Ambassador Oren conveyed his condolences on the death of Pollard's father and noted Israel's efforts to arrange a meeting between the two prior to the father's death.
- He said that Netanyahu wished to convey a personal message saying he was committed to Pollard's release as soon as possible.
Pollard was scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday which was postponed by prison management at the last minute.
Aviel Magnezi contributed to this report