Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Jerusalem on Monday to say goodbye to killed American-Israeli captive Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the most well-known faces among those kidnapped by Hamas-led gunmen on October 7.
Goldberg-Polin's body, along with those of fellow hostages Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino, were discovered by Israeli troops on Sunday, eliciting an outpouring of grief and rage among Israelis traumatized by one of the most devastating attacks in their country's history.
The discovery of the bodies has reignited tensions in the region, with Israeli officials vowing to intensify military operations in Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, "We will not rest until every hostage is returned and Hamas is completely dismantled." Meanwhile, international calls for a ceasefire have grown louder, with the United Nations Security Council set to convene an emergency session to address the escalating crisis.
"I believe he was a symbol of the hostages," Amnon Sadovsky, a 70-year-old teacher, told Reuters. We must have humanity for all people, including Jews and Arabs.
Goldberg-Polin, 23, who came to Israel from California when he was seven years old, was celebrating his birthday at the Nova music festival in southern Israel on October 7 when Hamas-led terrorists opened fire, killing 1200 people and capturing 253 hostages, according to Israeli estimates.
The Nova music festival attack has become a symbol of the October 7 tragedy, with survivors recounting harrowing tales of escape and loss. Sarah Cohen, a 25-year-old attendee who managed to flee, shared her experience: "One moment we were dancing, the next it was chaos. I lost friends that day, and the trauma still haunts me. Hersh's death brings back all those painful memories."
During the rampage, footage showed six Hamas gunmen surrounding the roadside bomb shelter where he was hiding and hurling grenades through the opening. Most of those hiding inside were murdered, and Hersh lost the lower half of his left arm.
His wounds was clearly seen on video when he was placed into a pickup van with other hostages.
He was last seen alive in a Hamas video broadcast in April, addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and subsequently his family, providing the first public indication that he had survived his injuries.
The video of Hersh in captivity had sparked a global campaign for his release, with social media hashtags like #BringHershHome trending worldwide. Celebrities and politicians alike had joined the cause, raising awareness about the plight of the hostages. The news of his death has left many of these supporters devastated, with tributes pouring in from around the world.
Following the bodies' recovery on Sunday, an autopsy found that he and the other five hostages were shot at close range within 48 hours of Israeli soldiers arriving and recovering the bodies in a tunnel beneath Gaza.
In a charming Jerusalem neighborhood near his family's home, red and white banners depicting his image - a smiling young guy with an open shirt and a short beard - line the streets and hang from balconies, with the phrase 'Free Hersh'.
The murder of the six after nearly 11 months in captivity provoked a surge of protests, with an estimated 500,000 people flocking to the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Sunday night.
The massive protests have put immense pressure on the Israeli government to take decisive action. Political analysts suggest that this could be a turning point in the conflict, potentially leading to either intensified military operations or renewed efforts for a negotiated solution. Dr. Eli Cohen, a political science professor at Tel Aviv University, commented, "The public outcry is unprecedented. It's clear that the status quo is no longer acceptable to the Israeli people."
The protests continued on Monday, with a general strike to persuade Netanyahu to return the hostages.
Talks to return the captives and cease the fighting in Gaza, where Israel's effort to smash Hamas has wrecked half of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 40,000 people, have stalled, according to Palestinian officials.
Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, Hersh's parents, have been working to raise awareness of the captives' predicament since their son's abduction, meeting with leaders like US President Joe Biden.
Hersh's mother delivered a heartbreaking statement at the National Democratic Convention in Chicago last month, urging him to be strong and alive.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin told thousands of mourners at the funeral that Hersh advocated for justice and peace, and she recalled the suffering she faced for more than 330 days, not knowing her son's condition or whether she would ever see him again.
Okay, my lovely boy, go on your journey, she murmured. Finally, you are free.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed regret that Israel did not protect Hersh on that tragic day.
Hersh has greatly touched all of mankind, both during his life and after his death, Herzog reminded the audience.
Hersh, we have failed you. We have all failed you. You would not have failed yourself, remarked Jon Goldberg-Polin.
On Saturday night, just as initial word of his death began to circulate, players from Hapoel Jerusalem, the soccer team he supported, took the field for their opening match of the season, wearing black shirts with Hersh's image against a red hourglass.
Nadia Levene, a family friend, said, "I have been hoping and imagining Hersh's return."
"The most astounding thing is Rachel and Jon's strength, and how they traveled all over the world to save their baby," Levene stated. "They could not have done more."
