Captured American Warren Weinstein looks tired and pale and speaks in steady monotone in pleadiang for his freedom to President Barack Obama . In a video released by al Qaeda on Christmas Day , he says he feels abandoned and forgotten since his abduction more than two years ago . `` The years have taken their toll , '' Weinstein , 72 , says in the 13-minute video . He says he is not in good health and that he suffers from acute asthma . He appeals to Obama , Secretary of State John Kerry , the media , the American public and finally his family . `` Nine years ago , I came to Pakistan to help my government and I did so at a time when most Americans would not come here , '' he said . `` And now , when I need my government , it seems I have been totally abandoned and forgotten . '' CNN can not independently confirm the authenticity of the video , which was first posted on The Washington Post website . It was the second apparent proof of life in which Weinstein makes a direct plea to the Obama administration . The first was released in May 2012 . `` The U.S. government is working to verify the authenticity of the recently released video of Warren Weinstein , '' the FBI said in a statement . `` We remain concerned for the safety and well-being of Mr. Weinstein and remain in contact with Warren Weinstein 's family while we continue to monitor the situation . '' State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf reiterated the government 's call for Weinstein to be released . U.S. officials have repeatedly said Washington will not bargain with al Qaeda . Weinstein was abducted August 20 , 2011 , from his home in Lahore , Pakistan , shortly before he was planning to return to the United States . Gunmen posing as neighbors offered food , then pistol-whipped Weinstein and his driver and tied up his guards , according to U.S. Embassy and Pakistani officials . In the latest video , Weinstein is dressed in a light gray track suit jacket and a black cap . He looks very different from when he was captured ; he is gaunt and has a salt-and-pepper beard . `` Needless to say , I 've been suffering deep anxiety every part of every day , not knowing what is happening to my family and not knowing how they are and because I am not with them , '' Weinstein said . His appearance alarmed Laurie Wiseberg , who is a friend and former colleague of Weinstein . `` Quite honestly , I did n't recognize him in the picture . He has changed so dramatically from the person he used to be in terms of appearance and I would hope something could be done so he has a chance to be reunited with his family , his wife , his children and grandchildren , and not have to die in a foreign country far away from those he loves , '' Wiseberg told CNN 's Don Lemon . Wiseberg said she last spoke to Weinstein 's wife `` some months ago and she was quite in despair , but hoping very much that he would in fact be released . '' In the video , Weinstein said his captors have agreed to let his family visit him , but only if Obama agrees to do the same for al Qaeda members held by the United States . `` Unless you continue to try to get President Obama and his administration to actively pursue my release , we may never see each other again , '' he said . Weinstein was employed by J.E . Austin Associates Inc. , a U.S. consulting firm based in Arlington , Virginia , that is a USAID contractor . He is a world-renowned development expert , according to the company 's website . No one else appears in the latest video of Weinstein . In it , he appeals to Obama as a family man . `` I am , therefore , appealing to you , on a humanitarian basis , if nothing else , in asking that you take the necessary actions to expedite my release and my return to my family and to my country . Our country . '' Toward the end , he focuses on his wife and family . `` I would like them to know I love them very much and I think about each and every one of them every moment of every day of my captivity . '' Weinstein 's wife , Elaine , who lives in Rockville , Maryland , was not immediately available for comment .
A friend of Weinstein 's said his appearance has changed dramatically . FBI says it is working to verify the authenticity of the video . Weinstein was abducted in Pakistan in August 2011 . Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility and set out conditions for his release .