Mourners Fill Jerusalem Streets for Funeral of Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin

On Monday, a somber crowd of thousands gathered in Israel to pay their respects to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American who was tragically held hostage by Hamas. His body was discovered in Gaza last week, alongside five other hostages.

As the family arrived at Har Hamenuchot, Jerusalem’s largest cemetery, the air was filled with Israeli flags, and supporters waved banners from the Hapoel Tel Aviv Football Club, a team that Hersh passionately supported.

During the ceremony, President Isaac Herzog delivered a heartfelt eulogy to the gathered mourners, as confirmed by a family spokesperson.

Struggling with her emotions, Rachel Goldberg-Polin shared poignant remarks, stating that her son was finally free but that their family must now learn to live without him.

“For 23 years, I had the honor of being Hersh’s mama,” she said, her voice trembling at times. “I will always cherish that. I just wish our time together had lasted longer.”

Goldberg-Polin’s body was one of six recovered by the Israel Defense Forces from a tunnel in the Gaza city of Rafah. Reports suggest the hostages had been murdered one or two days before their discovery.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin was a vocal figure during the campaign for the safe return of all Israeli hostages. Her dedication included meetings with Pope Francis and addressing audiences at the United Nations.

“In the midst of unspeakable terror and anguish, we genuinely believed you would return to us alive. But sadly, that was not to be,” she expressed during her speech.

She added, “Now I no longer worry about you. I find comfort in knowing you are no longer in danger.” Jon Polin, in a deeply emotional tribute, wore sunglasses and displayed tape to mark the number of days his son was held captive by Hamas.

“Hersh, I’m so sorry. We have all failed you,” he said, voicing profound regret. “The time we spent with you was a true blessing, and we will ensure your legacy remains a blessing as well.”

Goldberg-Polin’s parents had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate for the release of the hostages.

On the same day as the funeral, around 700,000 people across Israel participated in strikes opposing the government’s inability to safely secure the hostages’ return. The demonstrations were initiated the previous day and continued into Monday.

“You would have demanded more, and we will fight to ensure your death and those of the soldiers were not in vain,” Jon stated passionately. “We are committed to bringing home the remaining hostages; our hope persists.”

President Herzog, addressing the mourners, praised the family and expressed his condolences. “As a human being, as a father, and as the president of Israel, I extend my sorrow for not protecting Hersh on that unfortunate day. I deeply regret our failure to bring him home,” he conveyed.

Herzog concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Hersh, stating that he had “profoundly touched all of humanity.” He asked for forgiveness on behalf of the government, expressing sorrow for failing to protect him during a tragic day.