I was surprised by how disappointed I was when President Biden left office without acting on our request that he exonerate my grandmother, Ethel Roseberg. Despite keeping my expectations low and reminding myself that it was unlikely he would actually issue a statement exonerating Ethel, I got caught up in the thrill of news stories and television coverage supporting our campaign and by the surging number of petition signers and the hundreds of email message supporters sent to the Office of the Pardon Attorney.

While I was elated to learn a little before noon on January 20th that Biden had commuted Leonard Peltier’s sentence and that he would be going home to his family and community, I still found myself really sad when the clock read 12:00 noon. Biden was no longer president, and Ethel was still not exonerated.

In the midst of that disappointment (and a lot of texts and phone calls with my family), I was so touched by the flood of emails we received from so many people who had advocated for exoneration and wanted to share their disappointment with us while offering comfort and solidarity.

I’m sharing some of those messages here in the hopes that they provide some of that same comfort and sense of community to all of us:

“Please don't give up. Thanks for your efforts.”

"I’m very disappointed but the fight must continue. I’m so glad you, their granddaughter, is carrying the torch."

“Dear Jenn, Thank you for your generous email expressing gratitude to all of your supporters. I joined The Committee to Re-Open the Rosenberg Case in 1973-74 when I was a high school senior. Your father welcomed me, and I clearly remember attending a meeting at which I was by far the youngest person there… I share your disappointment in Joe Biden, even taking into account the pardons he did give to protect people (including his own son) from the certain wrath of Trump. I can only say, in his very guarded defense, that he ... unfortunately did not have the bandwidth to pardon your grandmother ... it isn't right and unfortunately it is now too late in his case. But it is NEVER too late to continue to fight for justice.”

“Dear Jenn, I am sorry too. I was the child of open communists during that time in Staten Island. My parents were active in trying to have your grandparents released. I extend my hand in sympathy for the loss of your grandparents, and gratitude for what you and your organization do to support families of activists.”

“Dear Jenn, In this, too, Biden failed your grandmother, failed us. Miss Ethel deserves justice. I am sorry.”

“Thank you for letting me know that Leonard Peltier has been released at last for a crime he didn’t commit! I was just a child when the Rosenbergs were executed, but I grew up knowing that they were innocent, so my parents must have known as well! So sad and so unjust! Thank you for trying to clear their names!"

"Disappointing. Frustrating. So sorry, Jenn. May the day come soon when the truth is validated through an exoneration. Sending love"

“Jenn, I both regret and repent this omission of forgiveness. As you and I both believe and know, Ethel is already forgiven in the afterlife, whatever we may call it, yet those who mourn on this earth need comfort. They are consistent and courageous and kin in truth. I am honored to stand with you and all your ancestry and family with Love. Peace"

"We will ALWAYS stand with you, Jenn, and all your family…and we shall never give up! Wishing you Chizuk v’Nichum - Strength and Comfort - now…and always.”

“Thank you Jenn for recognizing Leonard Peltier’s ability to go home even when Biden did not pardon your grandmother. I appreciate how steadfast both your and Peltier’s campaigns have been for so many years. Peltier’s sentence commutation teaches us never to stop hoping. I hope Ethel Rosenberg can be exonerated and I appreciate your fight. With gratitude and love”

“I was angry but not really surprised that Biden would not touch Ethel's case, as that would have taken more guts than he has. But very pleased about the Peltier decision. In a kind of protest, I'll be sending an additional donation to the Fund for Children, for the children you help and for keeping the light of struggle alive.”

"Thank you, Jenn, for your efforts. And thank you to RFC for what you do. It is good news about Leonard Peltier. I wish we had had better news about your grandma, but the truth will out. I know she would have been proud of you.”

“I am also so disappointed that Biden did not exonerate your grandmother Ethel Rosenberg. There was an excellent piece on NPR the other night, and I thought your Dad was great at making the case. That piece really got my hopes up. I guess anti-communism continues to show its ugly face. How sad that Musk can give a nazi salute, and your grandmother can't be exonerated. Hope we all get through the next four years together, in solidarity”

“Know that during my next season of planting, I will hold an exoneration ceremony reseeding the earth with the spirit of your grandmother. Go well.”

“Thank you, Jenn, for this missive, the good, the bad, and the ugly. La lucha continua!!”

“Dear Meeropol family, It’s a gloomy day for all of us, but President Biden‘s missed opportunity on behalf of your mother and grandmother feels like a particularly painful gut punch. I just wanted to express my condolences. In solidarity”

As I contemplate the next four years, I am so grateful for all of you. I know that in the weeks and months to come I will rely on and be comforted by your commitment, your compassion and your solidarity.

Thank you!