Heartfelt Plea from Parents of American Murdered by Hamas to Trump Following Latest Hostage Release

The parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American who was kidnapped in Israel on October 7, 2023, and later murdered by Hamas terrorists after enduring 11 months in captivity, recently made a poignant appeal to former President Donald Trump. This emotional video message came in response to the latest release of hostages involved in the ongoing conflict.

In a video shared on Instagram, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin expressed their reaction to the release of three civilians—Eli Sharabi, 52; Or Levy, 34; and Ohad Ben Ami, 56. These individuals were among approximately 250 people taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel, which left a lasting impact on countless lives. The release of these civilians coincided with Israel’s decision to free nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement.

A Connection Forged Through Tragedy

Rachel Goldberg-Polin enthusiastically welcomed the news of the safe return of Eli, Or, and Ohad, stating, “We received the wonderful news that Eli, Or and Ohad were released today.” She highlighted the significant connection her family shares with Or, revealing that both he and Hersh were kidnapped from the same bomb shelter within the same tumultuous circumstances. She recounted a touching moment when Or’s brother reached out after the news, expressing concern for Hersh’s well-being. “One of Or’s first questions he asked his brother was, ‘how is Hersh doing?’. His brother had to explain that Hersh had been murdered five months ago,” Rachel shared.

A Call to Action

Jon Polin directed his heartfelt appeal towards Trump and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, urging them to expedite the release of the remaining 76 hostages. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “Seeing the condition of these three hostages, hearing that Or had no idea what happened to Hersh is just a gut punch to all of us that we need to do more.”

His passionate message continued, “My plea to you, our plea to you right now is to think bigger and faster—let’s get all 76 hostages out this week. This must end now. Who benefits from dragging it out for so long? Not the people of this region. Let’s make it happen now. Thank you.” Rachel added a solemn wish, saying, “Godspeed.”

The Tragedy of the Hostages

The tragic fate of Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages is a stark reminder of the devastating repercussions of the ongoing conflict. According to reports, Hersh was murdered by Hamas in August, shortly before Israeli forces reached the location where they were being held. Forensic experts disclosed that the six bodies retrieved from the tunnel showed signs of having been shot at close range after nearly a year of persecution.

Background of the Abduction

Goldberg-Polin hailed from Berkeley, California, and was attending a music festival in southern Israel during the attack. This violent encounter left at least 1,200 people dead, with approximately 250 others taken hostage. The distressing nature of the situation escalated in April when a Hamas-issued video surfaced showing Hersh speaking under duress, with his left hand missing due to injuries sustained during the attack.

Realities Following Release

In the immediate aftermath of their release, the three Israeli hostages began to grapple with the harrowing realities of their return. Eli Sharabi, who had spent 16 months in captivity, was devastated to learn that his wife and two daughters had perished in the October 7 assault.

Or Levy faced uncertainty about the fate of his wife, as reported by his mother Geula. She shared that he had no access to media updates while in Gaza and also inquired about Goldberg-Polin. Fortunately, Levy was reunited with his young son during this emotional time.

Meanwhile, Ben Ami, another released hostage, found solace with his wife and three daughters in a hospital corridor. He told his family, “I have a lot of things to catch up on,” revealing the extent of his emotional burden as he navigated the aftermath of his release.

A Fragile Ceasefire

The recent release marked the fifth swap of hostages for prisoners since the current ceasefire began on January 19, emphasizing the complexity and fragility of the situation. The parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s poignant plea underscores the urgent need for action and awareness regarding the ongoing hostage crisis, urging leaders to prioritize the safe return of all those still in captivity.

This story captures the heartbreak of families torn apart by violence, and it highlights the continued struggle for peace in a region marked by conflict. The events surrounding Hersh and the hostages reflect not only personal loss but also the broader humanitarian issues at play, demanding acknowledgment and response from the international community.

This report incorporates contributions from the Associated Press.