IT IS ABOUT TIME TO FREE ALAN GROSS

This Rosh Hashanah marked Alan Gross’ fifth new year in captivity in Cuba. Alan was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment on charges that his work on behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to bring Internet access to Cuba’s small Jewish community undermined the Cuban government. 

Since his arrest in 2009 and his conviction two years later, Alan has lost 100 pounds, seen both his mental and physical health deteriorate, including severe hip pain that leaves him unable to walk and the loss of vision in his right eye. He learned in jail of his mother’s death and his daughter’s battle with cancer. The Cuban government refused entreaties to allow him to see his mother one last time before her death. His wife, Judy, says he has lost all hope, so much so that he has said his goodbyes to his family and no longer is accepting visitors from the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba. In May, Alan told his lawyer that he had spent his last birthday in prison; by his next, he said he would be free or dead. 

The fact that Alan was imprisoned pursuing U.S. government-sanctioned work is

reason enough for our government to be involved at the highest levels in securing his release. Indeed, many in the administration and Congress have worked on his behalf. Yet none of it has been enough.  During the High Holiday season, we must not only focus on the repair of our inner selves, we must also take care of those who need our help. Let us redouble our efforts to secure Alan’s release by ensuring that our government does not forget his plight.

Five years on, it is time for the U.S. government to bring Alan home. A petition drive to do just that was launched by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. 

PS.- I REALLY BELIEVE THAT THE U.S. GOV'T DOES NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE IN AGENDA...NOR DO THEY CARE...!!!

Please sign the petition by clicking here: Why is Alan Gross still in Cuba?