NY Rabbi Meets With Jailed American Gross In Cuba

Published March 6, 2012 9:00PM (EST)

HAVANA (AP) — A prominent New York rabbi has met with imprisoned American subcontractor Alan Gross in Cuba.

Arthur Schneier says he spent about an hour and a half with Gross in Havana. Photos on Schneier's camera show a thin and bearded Gross wearing glasses and a yarmulke.

The rabbi says he gave Gross a prayer shawl and they prayed together to mark the eve of the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Schneier was in Havana on Tuesday as part of an interfaith humanitarian mission through the Appeal of Conscience Foundation.

He declined to answer detailed questions about Gross, saying the foundation will issue a statement upon his return.

Gross is serving a 15-year prison sentence for crimes against the Cuban state.


By Salon Staff

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