Conservative Rabbis Welcome Release of Imprisoned Alan Gross

NEW YORK – Alan Gross, unjustly arrested in December 2009 while on a humanitarian mission helping the small Cuban Jewish community, was released today after five years of imprisonment on claims that he was working against the Cuban government. The Rabbinical Assembly, the international association of Conservative/Masorti rabbis, celebrated his long awaited release.

“We join Alan Gross’s family and friends in celebrating his release from his unjust imprisonment in Cuba and welcoming him home,” said Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president. “Alan was unjustly imprisoned for his work toward tikkun olam, bettering our world, working through USAID to improve internet access for the small Cuban Jewish community. We are thankful now for his release and will always be grateful for Alan’s humanitarian work.”

“We thank all those who have advocated on Alan’s behalf over the past five years, including the Jewish community’s leadership in working with the Obama administration for his release,” said Rabbi William Gershon, president. “Alan has suffered greatly while unjustly imprisoned, with both his mental and physical health deteriorating. We pray for his swift recovery as he returns home to finally be with his family again.”