The death of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin has triggered a wave of grief across the United States, The New York Times reported Sunday. Goldberg-Polin, 23, had become a symbol of hope during his nearly year-long captivity following the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre.
"With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh," his family said in a statement. The IDF recovered Goldberg-Polin's body from Gaza, along with those of five other captives, who were fatally shot by Hamas at close range.
Hundreds gather in New York in Columbus Circle for a vigil to remember American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg Polin, who was kidnapped October 7 murdered a few days ago by Hamas while in captivity
View this post on Instagram— Adam Milstein (@AdamMilstein) September 2, 2024
Born in the Bay Area and raised in Israel from age 8, Goldberg-Polin was remembered fondly by those who knew him. Rabbi Andy Feig of Los Angeles, a childhood friend of Goldberg-Polin's father, told The New York Times, "In Yiddish, you say 'mensch,' meaning a person with integrity. Hersh was that kind of kid." Friends and family described him as passionate about soccer, music, and travel.
Goldberg-Polin was abducted while attending the Nova Music Festival, having lost part of his arm during the attack. In the months following his capture, his parents, Rachel and Jon, emerged as prominent advocates for the hostages' release. Their efforts included meetings with high-profile officials, including the Pope, and addressing the Democratic National Convention.
The impact of Goldberg-Polin's death extended beyond his immediate circle. Susan Gordon Newman, a 52-year-old marketing professional from Chicago, expressed to The New York Times the widespread sentiment, "There was so much hope for almost a year, and now there's no hope."
In Berkeley, Goldberg-Polin's birthplace, graduate student Yael Nidam Kirsht reflected on the family's mantra, "Hope is mandatory." Kirsht, whose own family was affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, shared her heartbreak, "I really hoped that what happened to us wouldn't happen to Hersh."
A vigil in Manhattan on Sunday night drew hundreds of mourners. Orna Neutra, mother of hostage Omer Neutra, spoke of the tight-knit community formed among hostage families. She noted that despite the devastating news, Goldberg-Polin's mother "chose to share words of hope with us, praying that this tragedy stops the madness and brings the deal now."
Seven US citizens remain in captivity, with over 60 living hostages and the remains of about 35 individuals still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.
