How to pass a reference to variable in Update query

Hi,

I have to insert/update data to Campaign classic DB from a JS activity. I receive the info in a webservice call, so i read the date and loop and have to pass the details in an update query. But the query is only accepting values not a reference to variable which I read from the call. please advice how an I pass a reference to var?

I have the below script,

workEmail is the variable with value I read from the webservice call data.

var updateEmp = <recipient xtkschema="nms:recipient"
operation="_update" _key="@email"

email= workEmail
futRetNot="true" />

xtk.session.Write(updateEmp);

I get this error,

 js JST-310000 Error while compiling script 'tWKF945/js' line 79: invalid XML attribute value (line=' email= workEmail' token='workEmail').

How can I pass the workEmail?

Thanks,

Sirisha