Standing Ovation at DNC as Hostage Parents Urge Action To Free Captives in Gaza
By The Media Line Staff
On the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the parents of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin received a standing ovation as they took the stage, with the crowd chanting, “Bring them home.” The emotional moment unfolded as Rachel Goldberg-Polin, teary-eyed but composed, shared the story of her son with tens of thousands gathered in the packed United Center.
Hersh, one of eight American hostages and among 109 people held captive by Hamas, was attending a music festival in southern Israel on October 7 when he was abducted. Rachel recounted how her son’s left forearm was blown off by a grenade before he was taken into Gaza. She emphasized the anguish that she and her husband, Jon Polin, have endured during the 320 days since their son was captured.
“This is a political convention, but needing our only son and all of the cherished hostages home is not a political issue. It is a humanitarian issue,” Jon Polin declared as the audience responded with overwhelming cheers. He thanked members of Congress from both parties and the Biden Administration for their efforts to secure a hostage deal, expressing deep gratitude for the support they have received.
Jon also highlighted the immense suffering on all sides of the conflict in the Middle East, noting that “in a competition of pain, there are no winners.” He urged for a deal that would bring the hostages home and end the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza, a statement that garnered significant applause, especially when he acknowledged the plight of those in the Gaza Strip.
Rachel concluded the emotional address by speaking directly to her son: “Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you. Stay strong. Survive.”
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