Full Breakdown
The Grief of Rachel Goldberg-Polin: A Mother's Journey After Losing Hersh
4/20/2026, 7:59:29 PM
The Abduction and Tragic Death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin
On October 7, 2023, during a Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival near the Gaza border, Hersh Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage. His mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, an American-Israeli, received two final messages from him: "I love you" and "I'm sorry." Hersh was severely injured during the attack and subsequently abducted, becoming one of over 250 hostages. Despite the family's relentless efforts to secure his release, including meetings with world leaders and public advocacy, Hersh was executed by Hamas on the 328th day of his captivity, with his body later discovered in a tunnel in Rafah.
The Fight for Hersh's Return
Rachel and her husband, Jon, engaged in a global campaign to advocate for their son and the other hostages. Rachel wore a piece of tape each day, marking the number of days since Hersh's abduction, and repeatedly expressed messages of love and strength to him. On the 201st day of captivity, Hamas released a propaganda video of Hersh, which provided a glimmer of hope that he was still alive. However, on the day of his death, Rachel joined other families in a public demonstration, calling out their loved ones' names, unaware that Hersh had been killed that same day.
Insights from Fellow Hostage Or Levy
In February 2025, Or Levy, a fellow hostage who had spent time with Hersh, was released. He shared with Rachel that Hersh had maintained a positive spirit, often laughing despite his injuries. Levy recounted that Hersh had adopted the mantra, "He who has a why can bear any how," derived from Viktor Frankl's memoir, which became a source of strength for those in captivity. This revelation provided Rachel with comfort, as she learned that Hersh had heard her voice during her public appeals, affirming her efforts to advocate for him.
Navigating Grief and Loss
Rachel's journey through grief has been profound and complex. She reflects on the pain of losing her son, stating that the days of his captivity were, in retrospect, the "good part" because he was alive. In her upcoming book, "When We See You Again," she articulates her evolving understanding of grief, viewing it as a "precious badge of love" rather than merely a source of suffering. Despite the overwhelming loss, Rachel emphasizes the importance of coexistence and the need to live alongside others, even amid tragedy.
Official Statements & Responses
Rachel has publicly expressed her feelings of failure despite her tireless efforts to secure Hersh's release, stating, "Sometimes 100% is not enough." She acknowledges the loss of many lives on both sides of the conflict, highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing violence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He who has a why can bear any how.” — Hersh Goldberg-Polin
- “What we were fighting for did happen. We got all of these people home, not as we wanted. We wanted them home, alive, but they had come home,” — Rachel Goldberg-Polin
Rachel Goldberg-Polin's story is a poignant reminder of the personal toll of conflict, illustrating the deep emotional scars left by violence and the enduring struggle for hope and meaning in the face of unimaginable loss.
