Pollard’s no hero
In commenting on the release of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard, Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, made this troubling comment: “The United States spies on lots of its allies. A lot of our allies spy on us. It’s the way of the world.”
I am not aware of recent or earlier cases of espionage of Pollard’s magnitude with Britain, France, and other allies. It is possible that Mr. Hoenlein is trying to minimize possible “dual loyalty” accusations, a possible cause of emerging new Anti-Semitism in the United States.
I expected this from a prominent American Jewish leader: to harshly condemn Pollard’s act of treason to his country of birth.
I am also troubled by the reactions of Israelis, making Pollard a “cause celebre.” It is not only insensitive to American Jewry, but also unwise, considering Israel’s dependence on the United States. Just consider the yearly gift of $3 billion.
As a survivor of the Holocaust, I immigrated to the U.S., was always treated with respect, and never experienced anti-Semitism. The United States is my true home and that of my family.
Jonas Rabin
Morganville
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