Ben-Ami Kadish
Photo: New Jersey Jewish News
'Kadish is an American patriot'
Good friend of US citizen accused of spying on Israel's behalf says Kadish a loyal American, adds he saw no change in his behavior over past weeks. A US army veteran himself, Kadish was active in charity fundraising for disabled former servicemen
Friends of Ben-Ami Kadish, the 83-year old American accused of spying for Israel, expressed disbelief at the allegations against him. His wife, Doris Kadish. refused to comment on the matter.
The Department of Justice in Washington reported that Kadish is suspected of giving military secrets involving nuclear weapons, fighter jets and air defense missiles to Israel during the 1980s. Court papers indicate Kadish acknowledged his spying in FBI interviews and said he acted out of a belief that he was helping Israel.
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Applebaum, who is also 83-years old, met Kadish and his wife Doris at a retirement home in New Jersey seven years ago. Applebaum said that he and Kadish were both active in American and Zionist organizations, and that they belonged to a group of Jewish veterans who had served in the army. Applebaum had served during World War II, while Kadish had belonged to the Palmach before immigrating to America.
Applebaum commented on the couple's life: "Doris is a lovely woman," he said. "They are both very active in the community. They raise donations and Doris is active in Hadassah. We both have a firm opinion about the justice the Jewish people should receive; that there should be a Jewish State where Jews can practice their religion without persecution, without being executed and without pogroms."
Applebaum also said that he and Kadish had recently participated in a program planned by the group of Jewish veterans they belonged to, which coordinated the donation of over $50,000 worth of equipment to disabled veterans.
Other friends of the couple were shocked when they learned of the charges against him.
Court papers accusing Kadish cite that he reported back to the same official in charge of Jonathan Pollard before he was accused of espionage. Pollard's wife, Esther, disavowed any knowledge of the case, saying Pollard had never worked with him.
