Here’s a rewritten version: "My son Hersh was tragically killed in Gaza. I will continue to speak out relentlessly until every hostage is safely returned home."

 

Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of Hersh

January 16, 2025 10:04 AM EST

My son, Hersh, was kidnapped from a music festival on October 7, 2023, after losing his dominant forearm and hand in an attack. He endured captivity, torture, and starvation for 328 days, only to be shot multiple times in a dark, airless tunnel in Gaza on August 29, 2024.

In July, Hersh was on a list of hostages slated to be released as part of a deal between Hamas and Israel, but the deal never materialized due to decisions made by those in power. Hersh, along with five other young hostages, has since died.

My husband Jon and I have endured more than 300 days of unimaginable torment, advocating relentlessly for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. We cannot bear to see others suffer the way we have, and we will continue to fight for those still held captive. At present, 98 hostages remain in Gaza, and they must be brought home to recover, both physically and emotionally, while the deceased must be returned to their families for proper burials.

A deal has finally been reached, and we have received the news that it will be implemented imminently.

My phone has been flooded with messages from people who seem puzzled by our mixed emotions. While we are relieved that many hostages will soon be reunited with their families, we are also deeply grieving the loss of our son, Hersh, whom we buried 135 days ago. We can hold both of these truths at once. We can mourn while feeling hope, we can feel pain and joy, and we can remain resilient despite our suffering.

At this critical moment, it’s essential that this phase of the deal marks the beginning of the end, not the end itself. While the release of 33 hostages is a vital step forward, 65 people remain captive, representing 23 different nations and various faiths. The youngest, Kfir Bibas, is only days away from turning two years old. The oldest, Shlomo Mansur, is 86. Both were meant to be released back in November 2023, just like Hersh, but the deal fell apart. I pray that Kfir and Shlomo come home as promised.

Additionally, the innocent Gazans who have suffered greatly since the October 7 attack need immediate relief. The deal must continue to the very end so that all in the region can find solace and recovery.

While I remain cautiously hopeful, I know that a deal is only a deal when it is fully and successfully completed.