To Save a Soul

To the Honorable Governor Crist

We are writing to lend support to giving AMNESTY to Martin Grossman, a man who was a boy at the time of his crime, carried out in confusion and without true understanding of what he was doing. He was confused, scared and not aware of the extent of damages he was inflicting on an innocent person.

No one is doubting what is understood as transpiring. However, what may not have been brought to light is the fact that this boy was for all purposes an "orphan", without the benefit of responsible parents to raise this boy to become a fine, disabled, Jewish man connected to his Creator. If this boy had had the basic Jewish upbringing with love and care to guide him, we are sure this would never have happened.

There are thousands of boys that grow up on the street and learn the ways of the street in order to survive. Are they all doomed to die because they made mistakes, even costly mistakes. The total population would be diminished by thousands of "boys" who could have become full functioning male citizens of this country.

Martin Grossman was deprived of a decent upbringing, and connection to the principles and Jewish mitzvos, and Jewish way of life. He needs to be given amnesty in order to start his life over in the proper environment, in a Special Home where he can be rehabilitated and taught the things he has been deprived of.

There are such homes for such boys (and men) in the community of Boro Park section of Brooklyn NY, where a Jewish soul could be brought to an understanding of Jewish religious principles. You have received the letter, I'm sure, from several Rabbis, including Rabbi David Zwiebel, of Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi David Niederman, President of the United Jewish Organizations. I'm sure if you were to speak to them and make his amnesty contingent upon their finding the appropriate facility and Legal Custodian, a just, fair and honorable solution to this poor soul will be achieved.

Thank you.

Most Sincerely,

Prompted by the tragic situation of Martin Grossman, and the Jewish concept (halacha) of redeeming a 'Jewish captive', with source material at Vos Iz Neias here and here.