The family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American who had been held hostage by militants, announced his death early Sunday morning, marking the end of an extensive campaign by his parents to secure his release. This campaign had taken them to meetings with world leaders and an emotional address at the Democratic National Convention last month.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, was abducted by militants during an attack on a music festival in southern Israel on October 7. A native of Berkeley, California, Hersh suffered a severe injury in the attack, losing part of his left arm to a grenade. In April, a video released by Hamas showed Hersh under duress, his left hand missing. The video sparked renewed protests in Israel, with demonstrators urging the government to take more decisive action to secure the release of hostages like Hersh.
The Israeli military’s announcement of the discovery of bodies in Gaza is expected to intensify pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Netanyahu has taken a hardline stance in negotiations, repeatedly asserting that military action is essential to bring the hostages home. Reports from Israeli media suggest that this position has led to disputes with top security officials who believe a deal to secure the hostages’ release is urgently needed.
President Joe Biden, who had previously met with Hersh’s parents, expressed his deep sorrow and outrage upon hearing the news of Hersh’s death. “It is as tragic as it is reprehensible,” Biden said in a statement. “Hamas leaders will be held accountable for these atrocities, and we will continue to work tirelessly to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”
The Goldberg-Polin family released a statement early Sunday, expressing their profound grief. “With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
The Israeli military has not provided further details on the circumstances of Hersh’s death or the identities of other bodies recovered in Gaza. When asked about the case on Saturday, President Biden indicated that bodies were still being identified and that families were being notified. He also called for an end to the ongoing conflict and expressed optimism that cease-fire negotiations were making progress. “I think we’re on the verge of an agreement,” Biden remarked after attending church in Delaware. “It’s time for this to end.”
Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents, who immigrated to Israel from the United States, became highly visible advocates for the release of hostages, meeting with global leaders such as Biden and Pope Francis, and addressing the United Nations. Their emotional plea at the Democratic National Convention on August 21 left a lasting impression. As the crowd chanted “Bring him home,” Jon Polin, Hersh’s father, emphasized that the need to bring home the hostages was not a political issue but a humanitarian one. His mother, Rachel, who was visibly moved during the speech, addressed her son directly: “Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you, stay strong, survive.”
The family had made a ritual of marking each day of Hersh’s captivity by writing the number on a piece of tape. “It’s remarkable how nauseating it is every single time,” Rachel Goldberg-Polin shared with The Associated Press in January, as they approached the 100-day mark. “And it’s good. I don’t want to get used to it. I don’t want anybody to get used to the fact that these people are missing.”
The Goldberg-Polin family also sought to humanize their son and the other hostages, refusing to let them be reduced to mere statistics. They described Hersh as a passionate music and soccer enthusiast with plans to attend university following his military service. At various events, Rachel Goldberg-Polin often spoke directly to her son, urging him to persevere for another day.
Of the approximately 250 hostages taken on October 7, Israel believed around 108 were still held in Gaza before the latest discovery of bodies, with roughly one-third presumed dead. In recent months, Israeli forces have rescued eight hostages, while several others were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The ongoing conflict has seen tragic incidents, including the mistaken killing of three Israeli hostages by their own military in December.
The death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin is a devastating reminder of the human toll of the conflict and the urgency of securing the safe return of those still held captive. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches and hopes for a peaceful resolution.
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