In time for the holidays. I hope this is the beginning of a better relationship between the USA and Cuba.

Supporters rally on behalf of imprisoned U.S. citizen Alan Gross, calling for President Barack Obama to help free Gross, who has been in a Cuban prison for 4 years, during a rally in Lafayette Park December 3, 2013, across the street from the White House, in Washington, DC. (Photo credit: PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

...Gross, 65, was on an American government plane bound for the U.S. Wednesday morning after being released on humanitarian grounds by the Cuban government at the request of the Obama administration. As part of the secret negotiations to secure his release, the U.S. was releasing three Cuban jailed in Florida for spying.

Obama administration officials have considered Gross’ imprisonment an impediment to improving relations with Cuba....

President Raúl Castro
President of the Council of State
and the Council of Ministers
Palacio de la Revolucion
Havana, Cuba

His Excellency Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba
Havana, Cuba

Mr. Jorge Bolaños
Chief of Mission
Cuban Interests Section
Embassy of Switzerland
2639 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Dear Sirs:

We, the undersigned, (click here) urge the immediate release of Alan P. Gross from a Cuban jail on humanitarian grounds.  

We understand that Alan’s actions may have offended the Cuban government. But we believe that after nearly two years in prison, Alan and his family have paid an enormous price for Alan's work in helping the Cuban Jewish community improve its access to the internet. As Alan, himself, has stated, he never intended any harm to the Cuban government or the Cuban people, and he would never involve himself in the domestic politics of a foreign country in which he was a guest.

Our request is based on the following:

Alan’s physical and emotional state is deteriorating. While imprisoned, he has lost over 100 pounds and has suffered from various ailments, including partial paralysis. We are deeply concerned about his well-being.

The health of Alan’s family has also deteriorated since he has been in prison. His 27-year old daughter and 89-year old mother are battling cancer, and his wife recently underwent surgery for an undisclosed illness. The financial burdens on the family are becoming insurmountable, due to the growing medical and legal bills and the loss of Alan’s income.

In conclusion, we believe Alan’s case deserves a compassionate approach. We call for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds and would consider it a significant humanitarian gesture by the Cuban government.

Thank you,