Text of rabbis’ letter to President Obama for release of Alan Gross

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to urge you to take action to secure the immediate release of Alan Gross, an American citizen imprisoned in Cuba since December 2009 for his work on a U.S. government (USAID) project to increase Internet access in Cuba’s Jewish community.

Alan’s situation has become increasingly urgent. In May, as Alan turned 65 years old, he declared that he would not spend another birthday in prison, no matter what that entailed.

Alan’s desperation is no surprise. The conditions of his captivity are bleak, and his health is deteriorating. Alan spends 24 hours a day in a small cell with two other prisoners. In addition to the 100 pounds Alan has lost over the last five years, he has now lost vision in his right eye, and severe hip pain prevents him from walking.

The separation he has been forced to endure from his family and friends has been devastating. In June, Alan was unable to be by his 92-year-old mother’s side when she passed away. His wife and daughters also continue to suffer, as they reach milestones in their lives and endure personal trials and tribulations without his presence and support.

Alan went to Cuba on behalf of our government. His immediate release from prison in Cuba and return to the U.S. must be a priority for our nation. Indeed, we believe this is a moral imperative. Our communities are gravely concerned that Alan continues to languish in a Cuban prison nearly five years after his arrest.

We ask, with all respect, that you take whatever steps are necessary to ensure a prompt end to Alan’s, and his family’s, continuing nightmare.

Sincerely,

[Signatures of 300 rabbis follow.]

(Photo at top shows Rabbi Arthur Schneier of New York City visiting Alan Gross on March 6, 2012.)