Jonathan Pollard is due to be released in November. Photo: PD.poll

JNS.org – Jonathan Pollard, the Jewish spy who has been incarcerated for three decades over a conviction for giving Israel classified information on America, will be released on Nov. 20, the U.S. Parole Commission confirmed Tuesday.

Pollard is the only person in U.S. history to receive a life sentence for spying for an American ally. Advocates for his release have argued that he should be freed because his time in prison has been disproportionately long based on the crime he committed. Additionally, the 60-year-old Pollard’s failing health has been widely cited as an argument for his release on humanitarian grounds. While those two factors have long been the basis of arguments for Pollard’s release, including among many high-profile former U.S. intelligence and security officials familiar with his case, some recent rumors have centered on his impending freedom being connected to the Israeli government’s anger over the U.S.-brokered nuclear deal with Iran.

“We welcome the news of the decision of the U.S. Parole Commission that will allow Jonathan Pollard to be released this November on the 30th anniversary of his imprisonment,” said Stephen Greenberg, chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman/CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. “We have long sought this decision and we believe this action is long overdue with Pollard serving a longer sentence than anyone charged with a comparable crime. In addition, we do not believe that there is any connection to the nuclear agreement with Iran. The parole date was set at the time of his sentencing and the current parole process proceeded the negotiations with Iran. These are separate and unrelated issues that should not be linked. We are grateful that he will soon have the opportunity to rebuild his life with his wife and address his medical concerns.”

The Wall Street Journal first reported Tuesday’s revelation of Pollard’s Nov. 20 release date, citing Pollard’s lawyers.