BREAKING NEWS: Chief Rabbi of Israel Metzger To FL Gov: Don’t Rush To Execute Grossman!
February 15, 2010
Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yonah Metzger has written a letter to Florida Governor Charlie Crist asking him for a 60 day stay of execution for Martin Grossman.
(FULL TEXT FOLLOWS ARTICLE)
Rav Metzger writes, “It has come to my attention that new evidence has surfaced in this case and changes in the law have taken place that merit consideration of clemency. I am convinced that there is sufficient cause to at least delay this execution until all evidence and legal arguments are presented.”
Grossman on death row for over 25 years is scheduled to be executed this Tuesday night 6:00PM EST.
This letter comes on the heels of a historic letter to the Florida Governor written and signed by the leaders of seven major American orthodox organizations representing hundreds of thousands of Jews, including:
Agudath Israel of America, National Council of Young Israel, Orthodox Union,, Satmar (UJO- UJC) RCA and Chabad urging the Governor to grant clemency to Mr. Grossman. A personal request by Rabbinical leaders to meet has so far been ignored by the Governor.
Leading Askonim feel that all possible efforts, both political and financial, must be brought to bear on Governor Crist. But they acknowledge that the greatest chance for success in saving Grossman’s life lies with the grass roots. “Every call, email and fax to the Governor can make the difference. Don’t wait until its too late, contact the Governor now” said a leader of the campaign to save Grossman.
The following update and message from the committee to save Martin Grossman was sent to YWN:
Less than 30 hours are all we have left to reverse this bitter decree. Yes, it is a fact that the Governor has been overwhelmed with pressure but it has not been nearly enough. Every possible avenue is being exhausted. Political and financial pressure from the top down and the bottom up is being exerted but-
WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME!!!
CONTACT THE GOVERNOR – NOW!
Contact Gov. Charlie Crist:
Charlie.Crist@eog.myflorida.com ,
Or
Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com
Phone- (850) 488-7146
Fax -850-487-0801
Ask the Governor for a 60 day stay for martin Grossman.
Sign the petition to Governor Crist http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/save-martin-grossman
Who will live….and who will die…..
Please pray for Martin Grossman
Michoel Yechiel ben Miriam Sorah
TEXT OF LETTER FROM RABBI METZGER:
[CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE]
The Honorable Charles Crist
Governor of Florida
U.S.A.
Dear Governor Crist:
Thank you for your steadfast support of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people!
I am respectfully writing to you in the name of the Jewish people here in Israel and around the world concerning the case of Martin Grossman.
As you no doubt are aware, the American system of jurisprudence is rooted in the Biblical and Talmudic code of law. The Biblical tradition teaches that although capital punishment is permissible; it is only permissible under very circumscribed circumstances, and only when every reasonable opportunity has been given to review new evidence and testimony.
It has come to my attention that new evidence has surfaced in this case and changes in the law have taken place that merit consideration of clemency. I am convinced that there is sufficient cause to at least delay this execution until all evidence and legal arguments are presented.
Biblical tradition, which has become the common heritage of most of the world. Is known for its pursuit of justice. But Biblical tradition also emphasizes that justice must be tempered with mercy, and justice must be scrupulously administered to avoid any possible miscarriage. This is particularly true in the case of capital punishment.
Thank you for considering my plea for a stay of execution until all of the relevant evidence and legal arguments are presented.
Sincerely,
Yona Metzger
Chief Rabbi Of Israel
(Dov Gordon – YWN)
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