Israeli-American Hostage Found Dead in Gaza

Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American from Berkeley, California, was laid to rest in Jerusalem after being found dead in Gaza, 329 days following his abduction by Hamas during the October 7 attacks. The funerals of Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages have sparked widespread protests in Israel, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire and release the remaining hostages. Goldberg-Polin's parents, Rachel and Jon, who had campaigned tirelessly for his release, expressed their grief and hope that his death would not be in vain. President Biden condemned the killings and vowed that Hamas would face consequences. The hostages' deaths have intensified pressure on Netanyahu from both protesters and his own party to prioritize hostage negotiations over military objectives. The Jewish community worldwide mourns the loss and calls for a balanced approach to humanitarian concerns and the release of the remaining captives.