Family Announces Death of Israeli-American Hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ending Months-Long Campaign for His Rescue

An undated photo of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

The family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American hostage, announced his death early Sunday, marking the tragic end of their relentless efforts to secure his release. Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage by militants during a music festival in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite losing part of his left arm in the initial attack, his parents, Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, tirelessly campaigned for his rescue, meeting with world leaders and addressing international audiences, including the Democratic National Convention in August.

The Israeli army revealed they had discovered bodies in Gaza, leading to the heartbreaking confirmation of Goldberg-Polin's death. The discovery was part of an operation in a tunnel in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, where a total of six bodies were recovered. President Joe Biden, who had met with Goldberg-Polin's parents and followed their campaign closely, expressed his grief and outrage over the news.

"I am devastated and outraged", President Biden said in a statement. "Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes, and we will continue working tirelessly to secure the release of the remaining hostages."

The family, in their statement, expressed their deep sorrow and thanked supporters for their love and support, requesting privacy as they grieve. The Israeli military has yet to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding Goldberg-Polin’s death or the identities of the other bodies recovered.

Goldberg-Polin's parents, who moved to Israel from Berkeley, California, when their son was seven, became prominent advocates for hostage families. They met with figures such as Pope Francis and addressed the United Nations, urging global action to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza.

The young man's parents had maintained a daily ritual of marking each day their son was held captive, a powerful reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. In their speeches and public appearances, they humanized their son, describing his love for music, soccer, and travel, and his aspirations for life after completing his military service.

Goldberg-Polin was among approximately 250 hostages taken during the October 7 attack. Before the discovery of his body, Israel estimated that 108 hostages were still being held in Gaza, with about one-third presumed dead. The military's recent operations have brought some of these hostages home, but many remain unaccounted for as the conflict continues.

As the nation mourns the loss of Goldberg-Polin and the other victims, there are renewed calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The Israeli leader has maintained a firm stance on using military pressure in negotiations, but the urgency to bring the remaining hostages home continues to grow.