A wave of sorrow swept through Israel today as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose body was recently recovered by the IDF in Gaza, alongside the bodies of 5 other murdered hostages, was laid to rest.
In Jerusalem, the streets were awash with a sea of Israeli flags and poignant signs bearing Hersh's image as his funeral procession made its way from the family home in Katamon to Mount of Rest. The air was heavy with grief as friends, family, and supporters - many wearing the red shirts of Hapoel Jerusalem, Hersh's beloved basketball team - came to pay their final respects.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh's mother, delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy that laid bare the anguish of a parent's loss. Her words, filled with love and longing, echoed through the crowd, leaving few dry eyes among the mourners. The pain of 330 days of uncertainty since Hersh's abduction was palpable in her voice as she spoke of the bittersweet relief of no longer having to worry about her son's safety.
"I'm no longer worried about you finally," Rachel said, "but now I'm worried about us. What will we do without you?!
I'm sorry. We tried everything to save you. Now I'm asking for your help. Please shine upon us from above. Help us get back on our feet again. Maybe one day we'll hear the family we have left laughing. On that day, I'll know that you didn't come back, but we've come back a little to life.
Help us stay strong, help us survive."
President Isaac Herzog, in an unprecedented move, offered a public apology on behalf of the state. His words acknowledged the profound failure in protecting its citizens and the inability to bring the hostages home safely. The president's presence and his emotional address underscored the national significance of this tragedy.
As the sun set on this day of sorrow, the resolve to bring home the remaining hostages seemed to burn ever stronger in the hearts of Israelis.
