The parents of a 23-year-old American who was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7th attack on Israel delivered an emotional speech Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention, urging for the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
“This is a political convention. But bringing our only son—and all of the cherished hostages—home is not a political issue. It is a humanitarian issue,” said Jon Polin, whose son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, lost part of his left arm and was kidnapped by militants while attending a music festival in Israel.
Jon and his wife, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, were met with an extended ovation and chants of “bring him home” from the thousands of Democratic delegates in Chicago.
While they avoided political discourse during their 10-minute speech, Jon Polin mentioned that families of American hostages regularly meet in Washington and find encouragement in the bipartisan support for securing their loved ones’ release. He noted that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are “both working tirelessly” to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages.
“Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you. Stay strong, survive,” Rachel Goldberg-Polin said.
