| Hersh Goldberg-Polin | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 24. |
| Birth Date | March 2000. |
| Birth Place | Berkeley, California. |
| Gender | Male. |
| Nationality | American-Israeli. |
| Lives at | Israel. |
| Family | |
| Parents | Mother: Rachel Goldberg. Father: Jon Polin. |
| Sisters | Liby Polin. Orly Polin. |
Hersh Goldberg-Polin (age 24, born March 2000) is an American-Israeli citizen who became a victim of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel during the Re’im music festival massacre.
During the Supernova music festival, which took place on October 7, Goldberg-Polin found himself amid the Hamas attack. At approximately 8:00 am, he sent a heartfelt message to his family, expressing his love for them. Minutes later, he sent another message, expressing apologies.
Seeking refuge in a field shelter along with his best friend Aner Shapira and others, Hersh faced the harrowing ordeal of surviving multiple grenade attacks by Hamas militants.
Aner managed to throw back seven grenades but tragically died in the process. Hersh lost his left arm from the elbow down due to a grenade explosion but managed to stop the bleeding with a makeshift tourniquet.
Witnesses saw Hamas militants taking Hersh and others on a truck. Hersh’s family saw a video of him getting into the truck, showing his injured arm.
Harsh’s family launch massive media campaign to bring him home
Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, was abducted by Hamas militants. Rachel publicly expressed her distress over her son’s situation and the uncertainty surrounding his well-being.
In response to Hersh’s abduction, a social media campaign was launched with the hashtag #BringHershHome, gaining widespread attention and support globally.
Rachel tirelessly advocated for her son’s release, reaching out to influential figures such as United Nations officials, Pope Francis, Elon Musk, President Joe Biden, and US Secretary Antony Blinken. Her impassioned pleas, including a speech at the UN, emphasized the urgency of the situation and called for international solidarity.
Despite efforts to negotiate Hersh’s release, he remained in captivity, even during a temporary cease-fire in late November 2023. His family continued their advocacy, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war cabinet to push for negotiations.
As time passed, marked by Rachel’s symbolic gesture of wearing a numbered shirt representing each day of her son’s captivity, the community rallied behind Hersh’s cause. On 27 December, he was supposed to begin a world travel trip, his father and supporters gathered at Ben Gurion Airport, amplifying calls for his safe return.
Hamas releases Hersh Goldberg-Polin video
Hamas recently released a video on its Telegram channel featuring Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a hostage abducted during the Re’im music festival massacre. In the video, Goldberg-Polin, missing part of his left arm, claims to have been held captive for nearly 200 days since October 7.
The video, shared with U.S. officials before its public release, prompted calls for action from Goldberg-Polin’s parents, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize the return of the hostages.
Goldberg-Polin, visibly emaciated with a shaved head, recounts the events of his abduction and blames Netanyahu’s government for neglecting to secure their release. He appeals to Netanyahu and his government to end the nightmare and bring them home immediately.
Expressing love and longing for his family, Goldberg-Polin closes the video with a heartfelt message, urging them to stay strong and continue working for their safe return.
Hersh’s life before being kidnapped by Hamas
Hersh Goldberg-Polin was born in March 2000 to his parents Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg in Berkeley, California. He grew up alongside his younger sisters Liby and Orly in Richmond, Virginia, until the family relocated to Israel when he was seven years old.
At first, he found it hard to fit in and learn the language in his new home. But he soon got used to it.
Despite the move, Goldberg-Polin stayed a big fan of Chicago sports, a passion rooted in his upbringing. He worked with a group that used soccer to bring Israeli and Palestinian kids together. He also planned to travel the world for two years starting in late December 2023.
He loves music and wants to see the world. After he finishes his military service, he hopes to go to college. But for now, his family just wants him to come back home safely.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin FAQs
Ques: What is Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s age?
Ans: Hersh is 24 years old.
Ques: Who are Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s sisters?
Ans: Liby and Orly.
Ques: Who are Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents?
Ans: Mother: Rachel Goldberg and father Jon Polin.