An American who went to Cuba to set up internet connections for Jews inside the communist country has been set free after a deal between the Cuban government and the White House.

Cuban officials took Alan Gross in December 2009 while he was working as a subcontractor for the U.S. government’s Agency for International Development.  Gross was on his fifth trip to the country to install internet for Cuban Jews that would bypass the government’s restrictions.

Gross has been in failing health in the last year.  A pastor who visited Gross said that his teeth had fallen out and he was suffering from severe arthritis and other conditions.  U.S. officials said Gross would be hospitalized upon his return to the country for treatment of his diseases.

Three Cuban spies were released as part of the deal to free Gross.  The three are part of the “Cuban Five” who were jailed in 2001 in Miami for spying.  The other two members of the five were released following completion of their sentences.

The President is calling for America to ease restrictions and to normalize relations with Cuba.