President Joe Biden voiced his deep sorrow and anger following the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American citizen held hostage by Hamas. Goldberg-Polin, who had recently celebrated his 23rd birthday, was among the six hostages whose bodies were recovered by the Israeli military over the weekend.
“I am devastated and outraged,” Biden declared in a heartfelt statement released on Saturday. “Hersh was among the innocents brutally attacked while attending a music festival for peace in Israel on October 7. He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world.”
The tragic discovery of the hostages’ bodies has come as a significant blow amid ongoing international efforts led by the United States and its allies to broker a cease-fire deal aimed at securing the release of those still held captive by Hamas. However, despite intense diplomatic efforts, a concrete agreement remains elusive.
In a show of solidarity, President Biden personally reached out to the grieving family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. On Sunday morning, he spoke with Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, offering his deepest condolences for the loss of their son. The Goldberg-Polin family has been vocal in advocating for a hostage-release deal, hoping to see their son and other captives safely returned from Gaza.
The family released a statement on Sunday, expressing their heartbreak and gratitude: “We are devastated to announce the death of our beloved son and brother. We thank all those who have offered their support during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Biden’s statement reflected his admiration for the strength and courage displayed by Goldberg-Polin’s parents. “I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable. They have been relentless and irrepressible champions of their son and of all the hostages held in unconscionable conditions. I admire them and grieve with them more deeply than words can express.”
He further emphasized the collective grief of the nation, stating, “I know all Americans tonight will have them in their prayers, just as Jill and I will. I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death. It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”
In addition to Biden’s outreach, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also contacted the families of American hostages held by Hamas. According to a White House pool report, Sullivan informed them of Goldberg-Polin’s death and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to securing the release of the remaining hostages.
Credit: The Hill
