Family confirms death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Israeli-American hostage with Chicago roots

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in separate calls Sunday talked with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg Polin, the couple with Chicago roots whose son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin held hostage in Gaza, was found murdered by Hamas on Saturday.

Israeli soldiers found the bodies of six hostages, including Polin-Goldberg, taken Oct. 7 in Israel in an underground tunnel in Gaza. An Israeli military spokesperson told CNN Sunday the murder by Hamas took place “recently” with the bodies found on Saturday.

The parents of Goldberg-Polin, who was 23, have been among the highest profile relatives of the hostages, as they have lobbied extensively for the release of all the hostages. They spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago Aug. 21, saying, “Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you, stay strong, survive.”

Polin grew up in West Rogers Park and Skokie. Goldberg was raised in Streeterville. Her mother lives near Navy Pier, and Polin’s mom lives in Evanston. The family now lives in Jerusalem.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates said in a statement, “My heart is broken by this gut-wrenching news. My deepest condolences are with Hersh’s family and friends, including those throughout the Chicagoland area, and his parents, Rachel and Jon, who have been staunch advocates for the hostages and their families — their bravery, strength and steadfast love for their son has been awe-inspiring.

For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.

Goldberg, her son and her husband are dual American-Israeli citizens. Polin grew up in West Rogers Park and Skokie, while Goldberg grew up in Streeterville. The family moved to Jerusalem in 2008 and still have family in Chicago.

A Hamas-issued video in April showing Goldberg-Polin clearly speaking under duress sparked new protests in Israel urging the government to do more to secure his and others’ freedom.

The announcement is certain to put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal to bring home remaining hostages. The Israeli leader has said military pressure is needed to win their release as cease-fire efforts falter.

Before Israel’s announcement, Israel said it believed 108 hostages were still held in Gaza and about one-third of them were dead.