CBS2 Exclusive: L.I. Students Overjoyed At Release Of Prisoner They Wrote To In Cuba
JERICHO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some Long Island schoolchildren have a special bond with Alan Phillip Gross, the American prisoner who has been freed in Cuba.
As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported exclusively Wednesday, Gross is a stranger to students at Schechter School of Long Island in Jericho. But the students took a mission to keep his hopes alive while in Cuban captivity.
And on Wednesday, the children from the school were saying, "Welcome home," to Gross, who was released on humanitarian grounds following their daily prayers.
"Alan Gross was held captive in Cuba for 1,816 days," said fifth grander Leo Septon.
Gross stepped off a plane on U.S. soil, following his five years behind bars in a Cuban prison. He was arrested for working with Jewish communities in Cuba to set up Internet access that bypassed local censorship.
The Schechter School children, crying for justice, sent a bundle of encouraging email that was somehow smuggled to Alan Gross during Chanukah in 2013. Gross ended up writing back.
"It was, like, very surprising, because we knew he was in captivity," said fifth grader Julia Yablans, "We were like, he probably might not get the letter."
Gross' response is now framed in the school. His words were filled with obvious emotion.
"This was the first Chanukah present that I received since I was detained in Cuba," he wrote.
The letter was handwritten to the children -- and in a twist now filled with irony, mailed by an international peacekeeper.
"I very much look forward to regaining my freedom, and hope that when that day arrives, I will be able to join with Schechter School to celebrate," Gross wrote.
And as it happened, Gross was released on Chanukah this year.
"His release on Chanukah -- the timing could not be more perfect, because we know that this is the time of miracles, and we experienced a modern-day miracle," said Schechter School of Long Island principal Marcey Wagner.
The students at the school, aware of Gross' failing health, were wondering how much longer he could hang on.
"I have been hoping a lot," said fifth grader Daniel Neutra, "and I think that today, his release is very exciting."
The children also wrote and dedicated a song to Gross, a brave man with whom they feel a special bond. They said they have learned from Gross' ordeal, and they hope the letters made a real difference.
Gross also wrote to the children that he grew up in New Hyde Park, Long Island, just blocks from the village hall. He said he would someday love to return to his roots if fate allows.
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