Thousands Attend Funeral of Hersh Goldberg-Polin in Jerusalem
In a somber ceremony held at a sprawling cemetery in Jerusalem on Monday, thousands gathered to pay their respects to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a dual Israeli-American citizen whose life was tragically cut short. Goldberg-Polin, 23, was one of six hostages whose bodies were recently recovered from Gaza. The funeral served as a stark reminder of the ongoing peril faced by hostages still believed to be alive in the conflict-ridden region.
Emotional Tributes and a Call for Action
The funeral was attended by a diverse crowd, including President Isaac Herzog, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob J. Lew, and other notable figures. The service featured emotional eulogies from Goldberg-Polin's family, including his parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, who spoke of the harrowing journey they endured over the past 11 months while advocating for their son's release.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, wearing a traditional ripped shirt as part of Jewish mourning customs, described the ordeal as an "odyssey of torture" but expressed some relief that her son was no longer in danger. “Finally, my sweet boy, finally, finally, finally, you’re free,” she said, holding back tears.
President Herzog offered a public apology, acknowledging Israel's failure to protect Goldberg-Polin and vowing that the state must do everything possible to secure the freedom of the remaining hostages. Herzog's remarks underscored a broader national sentiment and a call for decisive action from Israeli leaders.
The Story of Hersh Goldberg-Polin
Goldberg-Polin was abducted on October 7 during the Nova music festival in Israel, where he was celebrating his birthday. He was severely injured during the attack, with footage showing him being forced onto a pickup truck with a grievous injury. Israeli forces later discovered his body in a tunnel beneath Rafah. According to Israel’s health ministry, a forensic examination revealed that Goldberg-Polin had been shot at close range shortly before his body was found.
Reflections on Goldberg-Polin’s Life
The ceremony also highlighted the impact of Goldberg-Polin's life and the values he espoused. His father, Jon Polin, reflected on the challenging conversations his son prompted about various issues, from ethical eating to settlement policies. Goldberg-Polin’s personal motto, “JERUSALEM IS EVERYONE’S,” and his intellectual curiosity were noted by those who knew him, including former teacher Yaniv Mezuman, who described him as a “special soul” who illuminated the lives of those around him.
The Broader Context
Goldberg-Polin’s death has brought renewed focus on the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza and the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the international community watches closely, the call for action to ensure the safety and release of all hostages remains a pressing issue.
Isabel Kershner contributed to this report. Adam Rasgon, covering Israeli and Palestinian affairs, provides ongoing updates from Jerusalem.