Written by Ben Berman, November 18, 2025
More than 800 members of our community joined us for our Fall Fundraiser, Together in Hope, an evening focused on the power of showing up for one another and finding purpose in our connection. We were honored to host Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin as our featured speakers, in conversation with Julie Platt, Immediate Past Chair of the Jewish Federations of North America.
In their panel, Rachel and Jon reflected on the life and legacy of their son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, the 23-year-old American-Israeli kidnapped on October 7 and murdered after more than 300 days in Hamas captivity. From the start, they emphasized that Hersh’s story is not defined solely by tragedy. They shared memories of his compassion, humor, loyalty, and instinct to show up for others, qualities that shaped his life and continue to inspire his family and the broader Jewish community.
Rachel described how Hersh’s message of purpose, what they call one’s “why”, came through even in the darkest moments. Survivors of the Gaza tunnel where Hersh was held, including fellow hostage Or Levy, recounted how Hersh encouraged them to hold on to whatever gave them strength, repeating Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl’s words: “If you have a why, you will find your how.”
The conversation explored how this sense of purpose translates into action for Jews today, amid rising antisemitism and the challenges facing Israel.
In opening remarks, Federation President & CEO Solly Kane emphasized the need for our community to hold complexity and connect with each other despite having a diversity of viewpoints.
We are deeply grateful to event co-chairs Naomi and Josh Alhadeff and the many supporters who made this evening possible. Their generosity helps ensure a thriving Jewish life in Seattle and beyond.
If you were unable to attend Together in Hope but would like to support our work, you can make a gift here.
