Statement from Carol Ann Schwartz, Hadassah National President
Today, we mourned along with thousands who attended Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s funeral, and with the Jewish community worldwide, as he was laid to rest after enduring 11 months of captivity at the hands of Hamas. Hersh, 23, was the grandson of Leah Polin, a beloved member of the Hadassah family, and the son of Jonathan and Rachel, who our leaders and members met and formed a special bond with on Hadassah's Israel solidarity missions. Their willingness to share their story and the lengths to which they have gone for the release of all the hostages has profoundly impacted us.
We grieve with all the families of the six hostages who were executed by Hamas – Hersh, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi and Alex Lobanov. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may the memories of these six innocent souls be a blessing.
Hadassah continues to advocate and pray for the safe, immediate return of the hostages who remain in Gaza under the most unimaginable circumstances and to urge the international community to hold Hamas accountable for their evil crimes against humanity.
Words seem insufficient. As a community, we are shattered, in anguish. Yet, together, we will continue to see beyond despair to find solace and hope, as we always have.
View the livestream of Hersh’s funeral (please note it's in Hebrew and English).