‘We All Failed You’: Heartbreak at Funeral for Israeli-American Hostage

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli-American family that became a symbol of the fight to free hostages from Hamas in Gaza mourned their son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, on Monday after he was reportedly killed by militants as Israeli soldiers approached his location.

Thousands gathered at a cemetery in Jerusalem to honor the 23-year-old, whose image became widely recognized during the ongoing hostage crisis that began nearly a year ago.

Mourners surrounded the family as they departed from their home. Many waved Israeli flags or wore the colors of Goldberg-Polin’s beloved soccer team while lining the streets leading to the cemetery. Wreaths were laid by his coffin as prayers filled the air.

Emotional moments ensued as his mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, bid farewell to her son, expressing, “Finally, finally, finally you are free!”

Jon and Rachel shared fond memories of Hersh, describing him as humorous, inquisitive, and committed to justice. They expressed hope that his death could lead to a pivotal change in the ongoing negotiations for both a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

“We failed you, we all failed you. You would not have failed you,” Jon said. He added, “Maybe your death is the stone, the fuel, that will bring home the 101 other hostages.”

President Isaac Herzog expressed his sorrow during the funeral, saying, “Sorry Hersh, sorry we couldn’t bring you back alive.”

Israel’s military revealed over the weekend that Hersh’s body, along with five others, was found in an underground tunnel in southern Gaza.

Jon and Rachel, both U.S. citizens, became prominent voices in the push for the release of hostages. They held high-profile meetings with leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Pope Francis, along with speaking at significant events such as the United Nations and the Democratic National Convention.

Hersh was attending a music festival in southern Israel when Hamas militants attacked, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. During this incident, he lost part of his left arm to a grenade explosion, an event that set off an extended conflict lasting nearly 11 months.

In April, a video released by Hamas, filmed under duress, showed him with his left hand missing, leading to increased calls for action from supporters demanding the government expedite efforts to secure his and others’ freedom.

Israeli forensics determined that the six hostages had been shot at close range just days before their bodies were discovered as Israeli troops closed in on the tunnel. The news of their deaths ignited widespread protests in Israel, with many arguing that the hostages might have been saved had a ceasefire been negotiated successfully.

It was reported that three of the deceased hostages, including Goldberg-Polin, were expected to be released during the initial phase of a ceasefire proposal discussed back in July. However, negotiations have since stalled. Hamas accuses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging discussions by issuing additional demands, which include lasting control over significant corridors in Gaza.

In response, Netanyahu attributed the blame for the deaths to Hamas, stating, “Whoever murders hostages doesn’t want a deal.”

The news of the hostages’ deaths has fueled outrage and disappointment among Israelis. Large protests erupted in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv following the announcement.

On Monday, protesters blocked major roads in Tel Aviv during the daytime, and Israel’s largest trade union, Histadrut, called for a general strike, the first since the October 7 attack by Hamas, as a means of pressuring the government towards a resolution.

Throughout the ordeal, Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin emerged as powerful figures advocating for the return of their son. Rachel’s ritual of wearing masking tape marked with the number of days Hersh had been imprisoned resonated with many other families of hostages and supporters at rallies across Israel as the days dragged on.

As she reflected on the past 330 days, Rachel described her heartache: “Such torment that closed my throat and made my soul burn with third-degree burns.”

“I no longer need to worry about you, you are no longer in danger,” she shared, “You fought to stay alive, and now you are gone.”