Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was murdered in Hamas captivity, released a heartfelt message on Monday as the remaining Israeli hostages were freed from Gaza, describing the moment as one of national renewal and shared relief.
“On day 738, the feeling across Israel is one of profound relief and heartfelt joy,” they said in a statement. “After months of pain, uncertainty, and prayer, the nation breathes together in gratitude and hope.”
Their words captured the emotion sweeping through Israel after more than two years of anguish and waiting. Hersh, a dual Israeli-American citizen, became a symbol of courage and resilience during his captivity, and his parents’ tireless advocacy kept his memory alive even as they fought for the return of others.
“To mark this day, many have turned to the timeless words of Psalm 126, the Shir HaMa’alot—a song of ascent recited in moments of redemption and return,” the couple added, quoting the verses:
“A song of ascents. When the Lord restores the captives of Zion, we will be like dreamers. Our mouths will be filled with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy. Then the nations will say, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoice. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. Though he goes along weeping, carrying seed to sow, he will surely come back with songs of joy, carrying his sheaves.”
{Matzav.com}
