Hamas released a video featuring Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, offering confirmation that he survived injuries sustained in the Oct. 7 attack and providing hope to his family that he is still alive. The undated video shows Goldberg-Polin missing part of his left arm, consistent with the injuries he was said to have sustained, and he claims to have been held captive for “almost 200 days,” passing the 200-day mark since the attack.
The video was shared with the Biden administration ahead of its public release as proof of life, according to U.S. officials. Goldberg-Polin’s parents have been leading a campaign called “Bring Hersh Home,” making him one of the most recognizable faces among the Israeli hostages believed to be held by Hamas. His mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, has given numerous speeches, media interviews, and met with world leaders, landing her a spot on Time Magazine’s most influential people list this year.
Eyewitness accounts have established that Goldberg-Polin was last seen in a bunker on Oct. 7 attempting to throw grenades out when part of his arm was blown off. Video later surfaced showing him being carried into a truck, missing part of his arm from the elbow down. Goldberg-Polin is a 24-year-old Israeli-American born in California and moved to Israel with his parents at a young age. He was known for his love of music, soccer, travel, and attending music festivals.
Goldberg-Polin’s family has described him as an “active peace pursuer” who participated in initiatives aimed at connecting Israeli and Arab children through soccer. His parents released a video message following the release of the video, urging the parties involved in hostage negotiations to “get a deal done” to reunite them with their loved ones and end the suffering in the region. The video released by Hamas reportedly includes Goldberg-Polin criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for failing to reach a cease-fire and release agreement.
The release of the video is expected to put new pressure on negotiators to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence calling for a deal to release hostages after the video was made public, many holding posters of Goldberg-Polin. There are still 129 hostages believed to be held by Hamas from the Oct. 7 attack, which also resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people. The Israel Defense Forces believe at least 34 of those hostages are dead.
