Sep 6, 2011
Join Efforts to Urge Release of Alan Gross
Alan Gross with his wife, Judy Gross.
On December 3, 2009, Alan Gross, a 61-year-old American Jew working under contract with the U.S. Agency for International Development to help the Cuban Jewish community improve its access to the internet, was arrested in Havana, Cuba. He was found guilty of “actions against the independence of the territorial integrity of the State” and sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence. In August, his appeal was denied by the Supreme Court of Cuba that upheld the sentence.
Since his incarceration almost two years ago, Alan has lost approximately 100 pounds, his daughter and mother have been diagnosed with cancer, and his wife is receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition.
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) have participated in national efforts to ensure that the release of Alan Gross remains a relevant topic of discussion among decision-makers, including advocating with elected officials for increased pressure on the Cuban government. Additionally, the JCRC is one of the organizations sponsoring an online petition calling for Alan’s immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
Alan’s wife, Judy, released the following statement regarding Jewish community efforts:
"I am incredibly grateful for the support our family is receiving from the Jewish community. We remain hopeful that this petition will inspire the Cuban authorities to release Alan on humanitarian grounds in time for the upcoming high holidays. With this petition I hope we can appeal to President Castro, Foreign Minister Rodriguez, and Ambassador Bolanos, not only as leaders of a sovereign nation, but as fathers and family men who can themselves understand what it would be like to have their family torn apart. We all hope and pray that this year Alan will be back in time to be with our family for the high holy days, and to add his mandolin and strong voice to our services."
In an effort to raise our collective voice in support of the release of Alan Gross, we invite you to do the following:
1. Click here to sign the petition.
2. Circulate the petition to your social and organizational networks via email, Facebook, and Twitter.
