World
Memorial Service for Hersh Goldberg-Polin in Jerusalem
Join us for a heartfelt memorial service honoring Hersh Goldberg-Polin in Jerusalem. Celebrate his life, share memories, and pay tribute to a beloved individual who touched many lives. All are welcome to commemorate this special occasion.
On a somber Monday afternoon at a vast cemetery in Jerusalem, a sea of mourners gathered in the parking lot to pay tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a dual Israeli-American citizen and one of six hostages whose remains were recovered from Gaza on Saturday. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as family members and friends delivered heartfelt eulogies while singing traditional Jewish hymns, creating a poignant farewell to a beloved son and friend.
Among the attendees was President Isaac Herzog of Israel, underscoring the significance of Mr. Goldberg-Polin’s life and the ongoing crisis affecting the numerous hostages believed to still be alive in the devastated Gaza Strip. The funeral served as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of their situation and resonated deeply with a diverse spectrum of Israeli society. Secular and religious individuals alike, many of whom had never met Hersh, found solace and inspiration in his harrowing story.
This gathering also marked the conclusion of an arduous nearly 11-month journey for Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin. They traveled extensively, advocating tirelessly for their son’s release, meeting with prominent figures including President Biden, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Pope Francis in their quest for justice and freedom.
Clad in a torn shirt, a traditional symbol of mourning in Jewish custom, Rachel Goldberg-Polin expressed her profound sorrow and pride, stating it was a “stunning honor” to be Hersh’s mother. She poignantly articulated the unimaginable distress and torment that gripped her heart as she worried for her son’s safety.
- Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s mother, Rachel Goldberg, alongside his father, Jon Polin, shared their grief at the funeral in Jerusalem.
- The funeral of Hersh Goldberg-Polin was a gathering of thousands, reflecting the deep impact of his story on the community.
- Photographs captured the emotional atmosphere as mourners came together to honor Mr. Goldberg-Polin’s memory.