JERUSALEM — Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli American taken hostage in the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks, has died, his family confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
“With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the death of their beloved son and brother, Hersh. The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time,” a family representative said.
The announcement came hours after the Israeli military said it had found the bodies of six hostages held in Gaza.
Goldberg-Polin’s family had been one of the most vocal to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire deal and secure the release of the hostages, giving an emotional address at this month’s Democratic National Convention.
President Joe Biden said the bodies of Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages held by Hamas were recovered in a tunnel under Rafah.
“I am devastated and outraged,” Biden said in a statement. “Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes.”
“They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable,” Biden said. “They have been relentless and irrepressible champions of their son and of all the hostages held in unconscionable conditions.”
The Israel Defense Forces identified the hostages as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt. Ori Danino.
“The IDF and ISA send their heartfelt condolences to the families,” it said. “The IDF and Israeli security forces are operating with all means to bring home all the hostages as fast as possible.”
Vice President Kamala Harris shared her condolences on Goldberg-Polin’s death, saying her prayers are with his parents and “everyone who knew and loved Hersh.” She also condemned Hamas, calling it “an evil terrorist organization” that now has “even more American blood on its hands.”
Israel launched its war against Hamas in Gaza after the militant group’s October 7 attacks, in which more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the health ministry.
