He was born in sunny California and died in the darkness of a tunnel in Rafah. Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23 years old at the time of his murder, contributed more in his life to the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry than several projects aimed at bringing Jewish communities around the world closer to the Holy Land.
The name Hersh Goldberg-Polin is as Jewish as they come. Is there anything more Jewish and Zionist than making aliyah to Israel, not out of economic hardship, escaping antisemitism or war, but out of a desire to fulfill the dream of building the family's future in Israel? Hersh's parents Rachel and Jon immigrated to Israel, raised their children here, and constantly strove to blend their American values and their heritage in Israel.
It was impossible to remain indifferent to the family's campaign for their son's release. There isn't a door they haven't knocked on, there isn't a official they haven't met and there isn't an audience that hasn't cried when they heard dear Hersh's parents, family and friends talk about him. It is no coincidence that President Joe Biden spoke on Sunday morning about his feelings following the murder of Hersh. This young man and his family entered the hearts of everyone who met them.
Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin speak at the DNC
Many Jews in the Diaspora heard about the Goldberg-Polin family and saw themselves in them, and for good reason. Their appearance at the recent Democratic National Convention captured the headlines and was widely publicized. They are a typical American-Jewish family, and many in the Diaspora felt that they were part of them. Many even felt that Hersh was part of their extended family. In their international campaign, Rachel and Jon managed to connect the hostages' families and the entire people of Israel with the Diaspora Jews, who found in Hersh someone to relate to. The connection between Israel and Jews has never been stronger than this.
From Diaspora Jewry's point of view, it was possible to continue arguing with the Israeli government about politics, the war and the future of the region, but one thing was above all debate: Hersh is also their child, and they fought with all means at their disposal so that he would return home from the Hamas tunnels.
The death of the smiling and beloved young man, whose image was plastered all over the country, on the soccer and basketball fields, is heartbreaking for every Jew in Israel and around the world. Perhaps out of this heartbreak, we will find more ways to strengthen the ties with our Jewish brothers and sisters in the Diaspora through pain and better news.
We love you Hersh, may your memory be blessed.