Hersh Goldberg-Polin's Family Demands Answers After Hostage Video Surfaces
Hersh Goldberg-Polins Family Demands Answers After Hostage Video Surfaces...
The parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 24-year-old American-Israeli hostage held by Hamas since October 7, broke their silence Thursday after a disturbing propaganda video surfaced showing their son missing part of his arm. The 30-second clip, released by Hamas' military wing Wednesday, marks the first proof of life since Goldberg-Polin was abducted from the Nova music festival near Re’im, Israel.
Goldberg-Polin's mother Rachel Goldberg told CNN this morning that seeing her son alive brought "both relief and renewed terror." The video shows the California-born hostage speaking under apparent duress, accusing Israel's government of abandoning captives. His left arm appears amputated below the elbow - consistent with witness accounts that he suffered severe injuries during his capture.
The White House confirmed Thursday that intelligence agencies are analyzing the video's authenticity. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated the administration is "working around the clock" to secure the release of Goldberg-Polin and other American hostages. At least eight U.S. citizens remain captive in Gaza according to State Department figures.
This development comes as ceasefire negotiations stall in Cairo. Hamas has demanded Israel withdraw troops from Gaza before releasing hostages, while Israel insists on receiving a full accounting of living captives. The Goldberg-Polin family has emerged as vocal advocates, meeting with President Biden last month and testifying before Congress.
Social media platforms are grappling with the video's spread, with Meta confirming it's allowing the clip to remain online with a warning label due to its news value. The footage has sparked renewed protests in Tel Aviv, where thousands gathered overnight chanting "Bring them home now."
Neurologists who reviewed the video told NBC News that Goldberg-Polin appears to be suffering from muscle wasting, suggesting prolonged malnutrition. The International Committee of the Red Cross reiterated calls for medical access to hostages, which Hamas has repeatedly denied.
As Passover begins Monday, Jewish organizations are planning vigils nationwide. The Goldberg-Polins will light an extra seder candle for their son, a tradition they've maintained since his capture 202 days ago. "We won't stop until Hersh walks through our door," his father Jon Polin told reporters outside their Jerusalem home.
