[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Speaking with reporters just days ahead of the planned 48-hour visit by US President Barak Obama to Jerusalem, Mrs. Esther Pollard told the press of her husband�s difficult situation, and that she continues tefilos that he will be home for Pesach. Switching from Hebrew to English, Mrs. Pollard made a personal appeal to President Obama, who is scheduled to arrive in Israel on 9 Nissan 5773, calling for his �mercy and compassion�, speaking of how Jonathan �really really wants to be home for Pesach, the Holiday of Freedom.�

Mrs. Pollard adds that she believes President Shimon Peres can bring Jonathan home, and she hopes his actions on her husband�s behalf will be sufficient to persuade the US president, citing Peres� status in the international community and his actions on behalf of freedom and human rights. Esther Pollard is very hopeful that Peres� political status and relationship with President Obama will lead to her husband�s release before Yomtov.

Over 146,000 people have signed the online petition calling for Pollard�s release. If you haven�t yet signed and wish to, you may visit the site.

Click�HERE�to watch this video, which has been loaded in the�YWN Video section, found at the top of the homepage. Dozens of new videos are added each day.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)