On Black Saturday, October 7, Hirsch Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped by Hamas militants. The Kan-11 television channel reported that a video of the hostage was released by the terrorist group as part of “psychological warfare.” Rachel Goldberg-Pauline, Hirsch’s mother who was named one of Time magazine’s Top 100 most influential people in 2023, expressed hope that her son would return home soon.
A source from the White House confirmed that they received the video two days prior to the report. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently analyzing the footage to extract any information that may be helpful in the future. The video released by Hamas is the first evidence that Hirsch is alive after being seriously wounded during the abduction. It is unknown when the video was filmed, but Hirsch mentions that “members of the Israeli government are now sitting at the holiday table,” implying it was recorded on the eve of Passover.
In the video, Hirsch’s left arm is missing below the elbow due to the injuries he sustained during the kidnapping. He mentions being held for “almost 200 days” and describes failed attempts at securing his release. The hostage also repeats Hamas’ claims that Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens of hostages like him and accuses the Israeli government of refusing to negotiate for his release.
The family of Hirsch allowed Israeli television channels to show parts of the video. They are hoping and praying for their loved one’s safe return home soon.
