Spokesperson for Russian president says clemency for Naama Issachar, currently serving 7.5-year sentence for cannabis possession at Moscow airport, is unlikely to be announced before Putin arrives in Jerusalem on Thursday.
Poland passed a controversial Holocaust law last year that drew sharp international criticism and damaged its relations with Israel, United States and Jewish groups around the world.
Artur Hofman, chairman of the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland, defended the decision of President Andrzej Duda to skip a major Holocaust memorial event in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu assures Naama Issachar, who is being held by Moscow on drug charges, that Israel ‘does not leave anyone behind’ and says that entire country keeps her in its thoughts.
Netanyahu condemns Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef's remarks as 'outrageous.' Politicians and progressive clergy call for his ouster over the tirade at a rabbinical conference.
President Duda's government said it was 'inadmissible' to invite Russia's Putin to speak but not the leader of Poland. Duda had wanted a chance to correct what he perceives as ''lies'' about Poland's role in the Holocaust.
Yaffa Issachar, whose daughter is being held by Moscow on drug charges, asks Rivlin not to host Russia president at official residence during upcoming trip.
