The JCRC of Greater Washington Demands Alan Gross's Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington joins with Alan Gross in demanding that the United States immediately return to the negotiating table with the Cuban Government to negotiate his safe return home after four years and four months of unjustified imprisonment.

This latest call is in response to the hunger strike launched by Alan on April 3, 2014 protesting the inhumane treatment to which he has been subjected.  He is calling on both countries to "resolve this shameful ordeal" so he can return home to his wife and daughters.

Said Gross: "I began a fast on April 3rd in protest of the treatment to which I am subjected by the governments of Cuba and the United States.  I am fasting to object to mistruths, deceptions, and inaction by both governments, not only regarding their shared responsibility for my arbitrary detention, but also because of the lack of any reasonable or valid effort to resolve this shameful ordeal."

Last week, it was revealed by the Associated Press that USAID created a "Cuban Twitter" program called ZunZuneo after Mr. Gross was arrested.  By running a covert operation in Cuba, USAID has put Alan's life in greater jeopardy.  This was the final straw prompting his decision to go on a hunger strike.  Since his arrest he has lost more than 110 pounds, being confined to a small cell with two other prisoners for 23 hours a day.  He has lost an additional 10 pounds since his hunger strike began last week.

The JCRC has been a strong advocate for the release of Alan Gross since he was unjustly arrested over four years ago and we continue to work tirelessly on his behalf to ensure his safe return.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) is the public affairs and community relations arm of the Jewish community representing 210 Jewish organizations and synagogues throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The JCRC focuses on government relations, Israel advocacy, inter-group relations, and social justice.

SOURCE Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington