Knesset Speaker Yuli-Yoel Edelstein pre­sented MKs headed for the U.S. with a letter for President Barack Obama and a petition signed by 106 MKs calling for Pollard’s release. The pe­tition, an initiative of MKs Nachman Shai and Ayelet Shaked, urges Obama to order Pollard’s immediate release from prison. The MKs will meet with senior U.S. government officials and ask that they relay the letter to President Oba­ma.

“Pollard has served 29 years in prison for the severe offences he committed. This is a very long period of time for such offences,” the letter reads. “The conditions have ripened for his release. Over the years, senior officials in previous administrations, both in the securi­ty establishment and within the American in­telligence community, have expressed their opinion that Pollard should be released. This request has also been presented to Presidents William Jefferson Clinton and George W, Bush. Within the American public, the Jewish com­munity in the United States and, of course, in Israel, there is a broad movement that is calling for Pollard’s release.”

“Mr. President,” the letter says, “we ask that you give proper consideration to all the re­quests that have been made to you and order the release of Jonathan Pollard for humanitar­ian and humane reasons. You have the power to offer him a final chance to end his life as a free man.”

Edelstein told the delegation members that “The Americans have already agreed in principle to release Pollard. Now all that is left to discuss is the price,” the Knesset speaker said.

The delegation will conclude its visit by tak­ing part in New York’s annual Celebrate Isra­el Parade, where they will lead the procession along with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.