Hamas recently released a video featuring Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was taken during the Oct. 7 attack in Israel. In the video, Goldberg-Polin is missing part of his left arm, confirming reports of injuries sustained during the attack. While the video was undated, he mentions being held captive for almost 200 days, with the 200-day mark passing recently. This video provided the first confirmation that Goldberg-Polin survived the attack, giving his family hope that he is still alive. U.S. officials were reportedly shown the video as proof of life before its public release.
Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, have been advocating for his release through their “Bring Hersh Home” campaign. His mother has given numerous speeches, media interviews, and meetings with world leaders to raise awareness about his case. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Goldberg-Polin was last seen in a bunker on Oct. 7, trying to throw grenades out when part of his arm was blown off. Video later surfaced showing him being carried into a truck, missing part of his arm.
Goldberg-Polin, a 24-year-old Israeli-American, was born in Berkeley, California, and moved to Israel with his parents when he was 7 years old. He was passionate about music, soccer, travel, and attending music festivals, like the one he was at when he was taken. He was planning to leave for a trip around the world in December. Described as an “active peace pursuer,” Goldberg-Polin was involved in initiatives to connect Israeli and Arab children through soccer.
In a video message following the release of the video, Jon Goldberg-Polin urged the parties involved in the hostage negotiations to work towards reuniting all the hostages with their loved ones and ending the suffering in the region. Rachel Goldberg-Polin expressed love and support for her son, urging him to stay strong and survive. The video reportedly includes Goldberg-Polin criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for failing to reach a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement.
The video of Goldberg-Polin will likely put new pressure on negotiators to secure the release of all hostages still believed to be held by Hamas from the Oct. 7 attack. The attack killed over 1,200 people, and the Israel Defense Forces believe at least 34 hostages are dead. Following the video’s release, protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s official residence, calling for a deal to release the hostages. This development underscores the urgency of efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages and bring an end to the suffering in the region.
