Rachel Goldberg-Polin

Jewish world marks first day with no hostages in Gaza by shedding symbols of support

The return of Ran Gvili’s body on Monday ended a two-and-a-half-year advocacy campaign to return the roughly 250 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

|ByPHILISSA CRAMER/JTA
The yellow ribbon pin became a ubiquitous symbol for solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas.
RACHEL GOLDBERG-POLIN interviews in Jerusalem, May 29.

Parents of slain Gaza hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Roni Eshel to release memoirs of experience

Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh, will release an intimate memoir this spring, while Eshel, father of Roni, is publishing a book chronicling the 34 days before learning of his daughter’s death.

|BySHIR PERETS
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, speak on stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin reflects how Rabbi Sacks's teachings helped her manage Hersh's captivity

Marking the anniversary of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's death, Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin shared they had found strength in the teachings of Rabbi Sacks after their son, Hersh, was murdered in Gaza.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
RELEASED HOSTAGE Edan Alexander is reunited with members of his family in May. Rather than retreat from the trauma he endured, he expressed his wish to rejoin his unit and continue serving in the IDF, says the writer.

Olim: Israel’s living covenant of hope - opinion

As we mark Aliyah Day, may we recognize our olim not only as those who have joined us but as those who continually teach us what it means to choose Israel – to choose life, covenant, and destiny.

|ByKENNETH BRANDER

Even as living hostages are home: What we owe those who died for them - opinion

At Hostage Square, Rachel Goldberg-Polin spoke of the Book of Kohelet, read during Sukkot: 'There is a time to sob, and a time to dance.' She added, 'We have to do both right now.'

OCTOBER 22, 2025ByDAN ELBAUM
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son, Hersh, was murdered in Hamas captivity in Gaza, attends a demonstration in Jerusalem earlier this month.