Jeremiah Smith has been driving a truck around major U.S. cities and college campuses with pictures of Hersh Goldberg-Polin and other hostages abducted in Israel by Hamas terrorists since October 7, 2023. This mission is deeply personal to Smith, as Hersh’s grandmother, Marcy Goldberg, rescued him from his difficult childhood circumstances and introduced him to a new way of life. Despite facing challenges like masked protesters kicking his truck and trying to incite violence against him, Smith remains determined to spread awareness and seek freedom for the hostages.
Growing up in the violent Cabrini-Green housing project in Chicago, Smith found solace in baseball and befriended Marcy Goldberg, the first Jewish person he ever met. She took Smith in and cared for him, creating a surrogate family along with the Goldberg-Polins. Over the years, Smith developed a close bond with Hersh Goldberg-Polin, traveling to Israel for his bar mitzvah and maintaining contact with the family. Smith’s dedication to his friend and the cause stems from the kindness and support he received from Marcy Goldberg and the family.
Smith recalls fond memories of celebrating Jewish holidays with the Goldberg-Polins and witnessing their charitable acts, which shaped his values and sense of community. Despite facing hostility from pro-Palestinian protesters while driving his truck, Smith remains undeterred, striving to bring the hostages home and combat antisemitism. Supported by family friend Jeff Aeder, who initiated the idea of driving the truck, Smith is resolute in his commitment to the cause and will continue to raise awareness until all hostages are freed.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s family has moved to Israel, and Smith maintains close ties with them, visiting Marcy Goldberg regularly and sharing a strong bond with Hersh. When Hersh went missing at a festival in Israel, Smith was deeply worried, but Marcy assured him that Hersh would find his way home. Driven by love, friendship, and a sense of justice, Smith perseveres in his mission, facing adversity and hostility with unwavering determination. Despite the challenges he has encountered, Smith remains focused on his goal of bringing all the hostages home.
Through his actions, Smith hopes to honor the memory of his friend Hersh, spread awareness about the hostages still held by Hamas, and combat antisemitism. His perseverance and commitment to the cause have garnered attention and support, highlighting the importance of standing up against hate and fighting for justice. As he continues to drive the truck with pictures of the hostages, Smith remains dedicated to the mission and determined to make a difference until every hostage is home. In a world marked by conflict and adversity, Smith’s story serves as a testament to the power of friendship, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of darkness.
