In a powerful and emotional address that laid bare the human cost of the ongoing Middle East conflict, Rachel Goldberg has issued a desperate plea for her son's release after ten agonising months of captivity in Gaza.
Her son, 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, was among the hundreds of young revellers brutally kidnapped from the Nova music festival during Hamas's October 7th attacks. The aspiring traveller, whose left arm was partially destroyed in the assault, remains imprisoned in what his mother describes as "hellish conditions."
A Mother's Torment
"Every day is a living nightmare," Mrs Goldberg told reporters, her voice trembling with emotion. "We have reason to believe his health is deteriorating rapidly in those damp, dark tunnels. As a mother, I cannot bear the thought of what he's enduring."
Recent video evidence confirmed the young man's severe injury, showing his lower arm blown off during the festival attack. Medical experts fear that without proper treatment, infection could pose a life-threatening risk.
Stalled Negotiations and Fading Hope
The family's anguish comes as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas appear to have reached another impasse. Despite international pressure and multiple rounds of talks, a deal that would secure the release of remaining hostages remains elusive.
Mrs Goldberg didn't mince words when addressing the political stalemate: "While politicians debate, my son and others are suffering unimaginable horrors underground. The world cannot look away from this humanitarian crisis."
The Human Face of Conflict
Hersh's story has become symbolic of the ongoing hostage crisis. Before his capture, he was planning an extended trip through Asia with friends - dreams now replaced by a fight for survival.
His mother described the torturous uncertainty: "We don't know if he's receiving medical care, if he has enough food or clean water. The not knowing is the cruelest punishment of all."
The Goldberg family joins hundreds of other Israeli families in their vigil, hoping that renewed diplomatic efforts will finally bring their loved ones home.
