President Joe Biden expressed his outrage and devastation upon learning that Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen, was among the hostages killed by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Goldberg-Polin’s body was discovered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, along with five other hostages.
In a statement, Biden confirmed that Goldberg-Polin was one of the innocent victims of Hamas’ brutal attack on a music festival in Israel on October 7. Goldberg-Polin, who had just turned 23, lost his arm while helping friends and strangers during the massacre. He had planned to travel the world, but his life was tragically cut short.
Biden described Goldberg-Polin’s death as “tragic” and “reprehensible,” and vowed that Hamas leaders would be held accountable for their crimes. He also expressed his admiration for Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Jon and Rachel, who have been advocating tirelessly for the release of their son and other hostages.
“I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel,” Biden said. “They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable. They have been relentless and irrepressible champions of their son and of all the hostages held in unconscionable conditions.”
Biden added that he had worked tirelessly to bring Goldberg-Polin safely home to his parents, but was heartbroken by the news of his death. He assured that the US would continue to work around the clock to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Goldberg-Polin was one of over 250 people taken hostage by Hamas terrorists during their land, sea, and air invasion of Israel, which left 1,200 people dead. He and other festival-goers had sought shelter in a roadside rocket shelter, where Hamas terrorists threw grenades, resulting in Goldberg-Polin’s severe injury.
