CHICAGO — The parents of an American taken hostage by Hamas during its terror attack on Israel told the attendees at the Democratic National Convention that bringing all the hostages home is not a political issue.
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg told the heartbreaking story of their hostage son Hersh Goldberg-Polin and urged lawmakers to bring all the hostages home now.
“This is a political convention, but bringing home our only son and all of the cherished hostages is not a political issue, it’s a humanitarian issue,” Mr. Polin said.
They took the stage in the United Center as the Democratic Party struggles with a sharp divide over Israel’s war with Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The struggle was on display outside the convention where leftwing anti-Israel protesters clashed with police and demanded Democrats side with Palestinians and break ties with Israel.
Mr. Polin told the crowd that hostage families have met with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including regular meetings with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“They are both working tirelessly for a hostage and ceasefire deal that will bring our precious children, mothers, fathers, spouses, grandparents, and grandchildren home and will stop the despair in Gaza,” Mr. Polin said of Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, was at the Supernova desert rave on Oct. 7 partying with friends when Hamas attacked. He had his friends tried to escape by crowding into an outdoor field shelter with more than two dozen others. His left arm was blown off from the elbow down after a terrorist threw a grenade into the shelter.
Ms. Goldberg delivered an emotional message to her son.
“If you can hear us, we love you. Stay strong. Survive,” she said.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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