Ami Popper, in Israeli jail for the murder of 7 Palestinian day workers in 1990, sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding to be set free, along with the rest of the Jewish security prisoners in jail today.

“Mr. Prime Minister, in recent years thousands of Palestinians with and without blood on their hands have been set free,” Popper wrote. And while they’re given an opportunity to continue or to start a new life outside the prison walls, they simply misuse this wonderful opportunity, repeat their terrible deeds and return to jail, knowing full well that their release will soon come.”

Popper noted that it was difficult for him to write the prime minister and to come to terms with his own terrible deed.

On May 20, 1990, Popper put on IDF uniform trousers he had stolen from his brother, then stole his brother’s assault rifle and five ammunition clips, and went to a bus stop where he asked men waiting for the bus in Rishon Letzion for their ID cards. After confirming that they were Arabs, he lined them up and opened fire, killing seven. Seven more Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces during riots that erupted after the murder, and 700 were injured.

Popper, whose admittedly horrible acts are overmatched by the murders of Jews committed by some of the prisoners being released on Tuesday, asked Netanyahu to treat him and his fellow Jewish security prisoners equally and release them as well.

“Such a great act of releasing myself and my friends, would show the world the exulted qualities of the nation of Israel, merciful and children of merciful, giving a second chance not only to the enemy but to their own as well,” Popper wrote.

It should be noted that while the vast majority of Palestinian murderers slated to be let free have shown no remorse, Popper is contrite about his actions. He begs:

“Please, Mr. Prime Minister, receive my supplication and my regret and the outcry of my family, and give us a chance in this season, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, which is intended for repent for the entire world.”

Considering the fact that Popper has served more than 20 years behind bars, his request seems at least as reasonable as that of the Palestinians.

Fr. Peter Vasko, President of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL), heralded Pope Francis’ announcement that he may visit the Holy Land next year as an opportunity for the “whole world to see the plight of Christians in the area.

Vasko said the pontiff’s presence would also “shine a light on the dwindling Christian population in the Holy Land, and hopefully help ease living conditions in the area.” Christians, once a majority in the area, have diminished to less than two percent of the population as restrictions on travel, education and work have increased.

In Palestinian controlled areas, including Bethlehem, what remains of the Arab Christians population are virtual prisoners in their own homes. At the same time, Israeli controlled areas are the only places in the entire Middle East where the Christian population has been rising.

Pope Francis said the visit – his first as head of the Church – would mark the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s trip to Jerusalem in 1964. The announcement came on the heels of Israeli President Shimon Peres’ recent visit to the Vatican. During that visit, Peres urged the pope to come to Israel, adding, “The sooner you visit the better, as a new opportunity is being created for peace, and your arrival could contribute significantly to increasing the trust and belief in peace.”

Peres added, “I turn to you and ask that within your sermons in front of millions of believers in the world you include the hope for peace in the Middle East and the whole world.”

Vasko said the Vatican has long supported FFHL programs, which provide education, housing and work opportunities for thousands of Palestinian Christians. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI visited Israel during their tenures.

Pope Francis accepted Peres’ invitation, but no date has been set for the trip.