By Kate Andersen Brower and Matt Bok – 2012-06-14T04:01:09Z

Israeli President Shimon Peres was awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, who praised his guest at a White House dinner for his extraordinary service.

In him we see the essence of Israel itself: an indomitable spirit that will not be denied, the president said last night in honoring Peres, 88, who has served in the Israeli government since 1952. Obama also said that the security of Israel is non-negotiable.

The issue of convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, who was arrested in Washington in 1985, is expected to come up during closed-door sessions between Peres and Obama. Last week, Peres said he would request Pollards release when he meets with Obama, the Jerusalem Post reported on June 5.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the U.S. on April 8 to free Pollard, who was sentenced to life in prison for passing classified information to Israel. Netanyahu cited reports that Pollards health has deteriorated.

White House press secretary Jay Carney said yesterday the U.S. probably wouldnt change its position on Pollard, and there was no mention of the matter at last nights ceremony.

In accepting his award, Peres called for a Palestinian state alongside Israel and praised young Arabs for seeking freedom and for standing up against oppression, poverty and corruption.

Though just 2 percent of the U.S. population identify their religion as Jewish, according to the Gallup poll, they were a critical part of Obamas 2008 base.

Obama won in 2008 with 78 percent support from Jewish voters, according to national exit polls. Republicans dont expect to win over the community outright in 2012. They want to win enough Jewish Democrats and independents to change the outcome in some swing states.

Obama has been losing support among Jewish voters, according to a Gallup survey. Obama has 64 percent support from Jewish voters compared to 29 percent for Republican challenger Romney. In an October and November 2008 survey, Obama had 74 percent support from Jewish voters, 10 percentage points more than he has today. The survey polled 576 registered Jewish voters between April 11 and June 5 and has a five-point error margin.

See the original post here: