Following the recent release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen tragically killed by the terrorist group after nearly a year in captivity, have issued a heartfelt plea for the swift return of all remaining hostages.
Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami were freed on Saturday, February 8, 2025, as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Their release, while welcomed, has underscored the agonizing situation for families still awaiting the return of their loved ones. The three released hostages appeared gaunt and frail, and were compelled to speak at a Hamas handover ceremony, causing widespread condemnation.
Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, Hersh's parents, shared a video message on Instagram expressing mixed emotions. While rejoicing at the release of the three men, they also highlighted the painful reminder of their son's absence. Or Levy, one of the freed hostages, had been captured alongside Hersh and was reportedly unaware of his fate until his release. This revelation deeply affected the Goldberg-Polins and fueled their renewed call for action.
The image above shows the recently released Israeli captives (from left to right) Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy being escorted by Hamas before their handover to the Red Cross.
In a direct appeal to former President Donald Trump and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jon Polin urged them to expedite the release of the remaining 76 hostages. He emphasized the need for immediate action, rather than a phased approach, to bring an end to the ongoing ordeal and reunite families. The Goldberg-Polins believe that Trump and Witkoff have the necessary influence to achieve this goal.
This photo depicts Or Levy during the Hamas handover process.
The Goldberg-Polins' plea comes after the tragic confirmation of Hersh's death in August. He and five other hostages were murdered by Hamas shortly before Israeli forces reached their location. Hersh, originally from Berkeley, California, had been attending a music festival when the initial Hamas attack occurred. He suffered the loss of part of his left arm during the attack and was later featured in a Hamas video, sparking widespread concern and protests.
This is a photo of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, provided by Israel's Minister of Defense.
The recent hostage release brought further heartbreak as Eli Sharabi learned upon his return that his wife and two daughters had perished in the October 7th attack. Or Levy also faced the painful reality of his wife's death, a fact he was unaware of during his captivity. The emotional toll on the returning hostages and their families is immense, emphasizing the urgent need for the safe return of all remaining captives.
This latest exchange marks the fifth such swap since the current ceasefire began on January 19th. The fragile peace and the ongoing plight of the hostages remain a critical concern in the region.
