Rachel Goldberg-Polin: A Mother’s Unyielding Quest for Peace and Hostage Return Amidst Conflict

Rachel Goldberg-Polin has emerged as a powerful global advocate, transforming her profound personal tragedy into a relentless campaign for peace and the return of hostages in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Her son, Hersh, was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and tragically executed after 328 days in captivity. Despite this devastating loss, Goldberg-Polin continues her daily ritual of marking the days of the war with masking tape, a poignant symbol of her unwavering commitment.

As the conflict enters its third year, Goldberg-Polin has become arguably the most recognizable face among Israel’s hostage families. She has met with world leaders, addressed international forums, and spoken publicly about her grief, advocating not only for the remaining 48 hostages (20 presumed alive) but also for an end to the war and healing for Israel’s deepening internal divisions. Her journey has resonated far beyond the Jewish world, offering solace to families grappling with various forms of loss.

Amidst a pending White House peace plan announced in late September 2025, Goldberg-Polin’s voice calls for unity and action. She challenges the nation to confront its mistakes and embrace a path towards a better future, echoing the wisdom of sages and the memory of her son, who often pondered Victor Frankl’s ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’. Despite her reluctance to enter the turbulent world of politics, a recent poll suggests high public approval for her as a potential candidate, a testament to her moral authority and unique ability to inspire.

Goldberg-Polin’s advocacy is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find purpose in unimaginable pain. Whether speaking to thousands or quietly marking the days, she embodies a call to action: ‘We are: What. We. DO.’ Her mission remains clear: to inspire hope, end the war, and bring every remaining hostage home, even as she carries the indelible mark of her own loss.

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