Mother of Slain Israeli Hostage Reflects on Grief and Resilience
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Apr 19
Mother of Slain Israeli Hostage Reflects on Grief and Resilience
6 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Apr 19
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, has spoken about her grief after her son was taken hostage and murdered by Hamas.
Hersh was abducted from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and killed after 328 days in captivity, his body later found in Gaza.
Rachel, who became a prominent advocate for hostages, reflects on loss and continues to seek meaning and resilience following her son's death.
With all captives home, what does 'closure' mean for a still-traumatized Israel?
A mother turned personal grief into a global movement. What is her next 'why'?
After finding all hostages, can the fragile US-brokered peace deal for Gaza hold?
Hamas murdered a US citizen. Will its indicted leaders ever face an American court?
How did one hostage's story shape the outcome of a complex international conflict?
Can a mother's view of grief as a 'badge of love' change public mourning?
The Voice of the Mothers: Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s Journey Through 328 Days of Captivity and Unyielding Hope
Overview
Following the abduction and tragic death of her son Hersh, Rachel Goldberg-Polin emerged as a global advocate and symbol of the hostage crisis. Her relentless efforts included high-profile meetings, public advocacy, and a powerful daily ritual of wearing a tape counting the days of captivity, which kept the crisis in the international spotlight. Rooted in her Orthodox Jewish faith and inspired by Rabbi Sacks' teachings on active hope, Rachel transformed her grief into purposeful action, launching legacy projects and authoring a memoir. Her advocacy not only influenced global policy and humanitarian awareness but also fostered healing for herself and bereaved communities worldwide, ultimately contributing to the recovery of all hostages.