At the Democratic National Convention, the parents of American Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin made an emotional plea for their son’s return. Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg shared the harrowing experience of their son seeking safety in a bomb shelter during an attack at a music festival, where his left forearm was blown off by a grenade before being taken to Gaza. They wore tape with the number of days their son has been held hostage written on it and emphasized the humanitarian importance of bringing all hostages home and ending suffering in Gaza.
Their speech at the convention highlighted the pain and anguish they have been enduring as hostage families, as well as the toll of the conflict on all sides. While they were the only hostage family to address the convention, there have been protests outside demanding justice for Palestinian victims of the Israel-Hamas war. The conflict has caused divides within the Democratic Party, with some concerned about U.S. aid to Israel and others worried about antisemitism.
The attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7 resulted in numerous casualties and thousands injured, with more than 100 hostages still believed to be held by Hamas. The situation has led to protests against U.S. aid to Israel and calls for the safe return of all hostages. Goldberg ended her remarks with a message of love and strength to her son, urging him to stay strong and survive.
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