Family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin Releases Hamas Video Amid Tragic Confirmation of His Murder

The family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of six abductees murdered by Hamas during captivity, has allowed the publication of a psychological terror video released by the militant group. The video, published last night (between Thursday and Friday), shows Hersh addressing his family with a heartbreaking message, despite the likelihood that parts of it were dictated to him.

In the video, Hersh says: “Mom, Dad, Libby, and Orly, I love you. I miss you and think about you every day. I know you're doing everything you can to bring me home... I need you to stay strong and keep fighting for me.” The exact date of the recording remains unclear, but Hersh describes surviving in captivity with "almost no medical care, little food, and little water."

A Message of Desperation and Hope

Hersh, an Israeli-American citizen, was taken hostage during the Hamas attack at the rave party near Ra'i on October 7. In the video, he also addresses U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, pleading for their help to "stop the war, stop the madness, and bring me home now."

Parents Mourn and Call for Global Action

Hersh’s parents, Rachel and John, who have been outspoken advocates for their son's release, spoke to the media after the video's release. "We are in the midst of Shiva... This video must serve as an immediate wake-up call to the world to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages before it's too late."

One of the Most Recognizable Faces of the Abductees

Goldberg-Polin, 23, became one of the most internationally recognizable faces of the hostages held in Gaza. His parents were relentless in rallying support, particularly in the U.S. Hersh’s murder, alongside five other hostages, occurred as Hamas captors fled, likely fearing an IDF rescue operation. Their bodies were recovered last Saturday.

Continued Psychological Warfare by Hamas

In recent days, Hamas has released more videos of hostages, including Carmel Gat and Aden Yerushalmi, both of whom were also murdered in captivity. Families, in their grief, have permitted the release of these videos, hoping the world will understand the horror of the situation.

Goldberg-Polin’s family and others continue to call for immediate international efforts to bring the remaining hostages home before more lives are lost.