Rachel Goldberg and Jonathan Polin, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was taken hostage in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack Jonathan Polin participated in a demonstration held by the families of captured prisoners near Kibbutz Nirim in southern Israel near the Gaza border, demanding their release on August 29, 2024.
Jake Guess | AFP | Getty Images
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American taken hostage in the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack, was one of six hostages whose bodies were found Saturday.
A family representative said: “The Goldberg-Pohling family is heartbroken to announce the passing of their beloved son and brother Hersh. They thank everyone for their love and support and ask for privacy at this time.”
President Joe Biden said the bodies of Goldberg-Poulin and five other hostages held by Hamas were found in a tunnel beneath Rafah.
“I am shocked and outraged,” Biden said in a statement.
The IDF identified the hostages as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Sergeant Major. Ori Danino.
The IDF and the Shin Bet allegedly recovered the body from the tunnel and brought it back to Israel. All were allegedly taken hostage and killed by Hamas in Gaza on 7 October.
“The Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency express their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” the statement read. “The Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Security Forces are taking all means to bring all hostages home as soon as possible.”
Goldberg Pollin, 23, was one of the hostages taken in the attack on the Supernova music festival in the Israeli desert. and lost his arm in a grenade explosion.
His parents have been vocal advocates for bringing home hostages, including one impassioned plea released during the Democratic National Convention
“They were ruthless and irrepressible defenders of their sons and of all the hostages held under unreasonable conditions,” Biden said. “I admire them and grieve for them more than words can express.” “There is no doubt that Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. We will continue to work around the clock to reach an agreement to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”
Earlier on Saturday, Biden called for an end to the war.
“We should end this war,” Biden said. “I think we’re close to a deal. It’s time to end it. It’s time to end it.”
Vice President Kamala Harris expressed condolences over Goldberg-Poulin’s death, saying in a statement that her thoughts were with Goldberg-Poulin’s parents and “all who knew and loved Hersh.” pray. She also strongly condemned Hamas, calling it an “evil terrorist organization” that now has “more American blood on its hands.”
“The threat Hamas poses to the Israeli people and to American citizens in Israel must be eliminated, and Hamas cannot control Gaza,” she said in the statement, which was made in her official capacity as vice president, not as president. campaign.
Late Saturday, Biden administration officials and politicians began sending out heartbreaking and angry messages.
“Our hearts break for Jon, Rachel and their entire family, as well as other families who find their loved ones unable to return home today. May their memory be a blessing,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, referring to the short phrase used by Jews to mourn their dead. language.
Goldberg-Pauling’s parentsand the families of other hostages have continued to urge Netanyahu and the Israeli government, as well as the international community, to pay attention to the plight of their loved ones.
After Hamas’ military wing released a video of Goldberg-Paulin’s captivity in April, his mother Rachel Goldberg-Pauline says She believes Netanyahu’s government should make compromises to end the suffering in Israel and Gaza.
July, Goldberg-Pauling’s parents Netanyahu reunites with families of other US hostages during visit to Washington Sharing their message again: Bring the hostages home immediately.
At last week’s Democratic National Conventionhis parents again begged him to come back.
“We’ve been living on a different planet since then,” Rachel Goldberg-Poulin said of her son’s abduction. “Anyone who is a parent or has ever been a parent can try to imagine the pain and anguish that Jon and I and all of the hostage families must have endured.”
in a Statement about XThe Forum for Hostages and Missing Families took aim at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he had “abandoned the kidnapped! This is now a fact”.
“Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble. We are calling on the public to prepare. We are locking down the country,” the statement read. The forum said it would share more details on Sunday morning.
Netanyahu faces growing pressure in Israel and around the world to reach a deal. ceasefire agreement Cooperation with Hamas will ensure the release of the hostages and end the fighting in Gaza.
In Hamas’s terrorist attack on October 7, more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.
The destruction and humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn international condemnation and isolated Netanyahu on the international stage.
About 100 hostages are still being held by Hamas.
In the 10 months since the attack, some hostages have been released through diplomatic agreements, some have been rescued in IDF operations, and some have been killed or died in custody. The hostages’ plight has roiled Israeli society, sparking protests and anger as Netanyahu failed to reach a ceasefire that would have allowed them to return home.
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
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