Heartbreak at Funeral for Israeli-American Hostage in Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, thousands gathered to mourn the loss of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was killed by Hamas militants just as Israeli soldiers were closing in on his location in Gaza. The 23-year-old U.S.-Israeli man had become a symbol of the ongoing hostage crisis, which has gripped the region for nearly a year.

The funeral took place at a cemetery in Jerusalem, where friends, family, and supporters lined the streets, many holding Israeli flags or wearing the colors of Goldberg-Polin’s favorite soccer team. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as mourners laid wreaths and sang prayers around his coffin.

Goldberg-Polin’s mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, expressed her heartbreak, telling her son during the service, “Finally, finally, finally you are free!” She and her husband Jon shared heartfelt memories of Hersh, describing him as funny, inquisitive, and fiercely committed to justice. They voiced hope that their son’s death might serve as a catalyst for renewed discussions surrounding a cease-fire and the release of other hostages.

Jon Goldberg said, “We failed you, we all failed you. You would not have failed you. Maybe your death is the stone, the fuel, that will bring home the 101 other hostages.” Such remarks resonated deeply with the attendees, portraying the family’s immense grief and their call for action.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog also delivered a poignant eulogy, expressing sorrow for not being able to bring Hersh home alive. He acknowledged the suffering endured by families of hostages, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to secure their release.

Hersh’s parents became prominent voices in the global fight to free hostages, meeting with influential figures, including President Biden and Pope Francis. They also addressed significant international forums like the United Nations and the Democratic National Convention, advocating for the freeing of all hostages.

Originally from Berkeley, California, Hersh had been attending a music festival when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 others. During the initial assault, Hersh lost part of his left arm due to a grenade explosion. In April, a video released by Hamas, filmed under duress, showed him without his left hand, which incited protests in Israel demanding further government action for his release.

Israeli military forensics indicate that Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages were killed by close-range gunfire just before Israeli troops reached their hideout in an underground tunnel in Gaza. The news of their deaths triggered massive protests throughout Israel, with many asserting that a cease-fire could have saved the hostages.

Three of the six hostage victims, including Goldberg-Polin, were slated for release in a proposed cease-fire agreement discussed in July. However, negotiations faltered, leaving the families in anguish. Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging talks by introducing new demands, such as maintaining control over strategic areas in Gaza. Hamas is also calling for an end to military actions, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners, including prominent militants.

In response to the tragic deaths, Netanyahu held Hamas responsible, stating, “whoever murders hostages doesn’t want a deal.” This assertion added to the rising anger and frustration among the Israeli public, leading to mass protests in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

On Monday, demonstrators blocked a major highway in Tel Aviv, and the Histadrut, Israel’s largest trade union, initiated a general strike—the first since the Hamas attack on October 7—to influence the government toward achieving a cease-fire agreement.

The Goldberg-Polin family’s struggle has resonated deeply, turning Rachel’s daily practice of wearing tape with the number of days her son had been imprisoned into a widespread symbol of hope and resilience among other families of hostages.

Reflecting on the torment of the past 330 days, Rachel shared, “It has been such torment that closed my throat and made my soul burn with third-degree burns.” She concluded her farewell, saying, “I no longer need to worry about you; you are no longer in danger. You fought to stay alive and now you are gone.”