We are heartbroken to have learned this morning of the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, held captive in Gaza since October 7. Hersh is the son of our beloved colleague, alumna and former board member, Rachel Goldberg, and Jon Polin.
Hersh was among the six hostages whose bodies were discovered by the IDF yesterday. This enormous loss is profoundly felt by the entire Pardes family who have stood with the family and hoped and prayed for a different outcome.
Rachel Goldberg has been part of our Pardes family since 1995 when she was a student in our Year Program. She began serving as the Student Support Coordinator in September 2023. Tragically, just a month after joining our staff, Hersh was taken captive by Hamas.
Rachel and her family have been unwavering in their efforts to bring Hersh home, becoming symbols of hope and courage for all of us. Their advocacy has been both public and powerful, meeting with world leaders and speaking out for the safe return of their son. Our hearts are broken as we mourn alongside Rachel, Jon, Libi and Orly, and their entire family during this time of unimaginable loss.
In moments of sorrow, we find strength in our tradition. קָרוֹב יְהוָה לְנִשְׁבְּרֵי־לֵב וְאֶת־דַּכְּאֵי־רוּחַ יוֹשִׁיעַ:
The Eternal is close to the brokenhearted; those crushed in spirit God delivers.
May Rachel and her family feel this closeness and be comforted by the support of their community and all of Am Yisrael, and may they find peace in their memories of Hersh, who will always be remembered.
As we grieve, we also continue to pray for the safe and swift return of all the remaining hostages.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Goldberg-Polin family. מן השמים תנוחמו.