Dear Seattle Community,

The words of a mother who buried her son are hard to hear, yet we must listen. This week marks one year in the Hebrew calendar since Hersh Goldberg-Polin was murdered after 328 days of brutal captivity in the Gaza tunnels. 

Hersh was only 23 years old, a young man whose bright smile always made other people smile. He became the face of the hostages while his parents, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, relentlessly advocated for their release. For almost two years, both before and after Hersh’s death, Rachel and Jon have attended rallies, spoke in front of international audiences, and met with world leaders in hope to free the hostages. 

Rachel, marking the day hostages were still in captivity and taping the number to her clothes, became the symbol of every Jewish mother. Her fierce determination did not stop at 328, the terrible day when she lost her child. She continues wearing the tape, marking the days; today is day 685. 

On this week’s sad anniversary, I’m thinking about Hersh and the other hostages murdered with him: Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Ori Danino. Each of these six beautiful people was the light to the world. May their memories be a blessing.

As we mark their Yahrzeit, I invite you for an opportunity to gather with our community for a powerful and inspiring conversation with Hersh’s parents, Rachel and Jon. We are honored to have Rachel and Jon join us in Seattle at the Federation’s Fall Fundraiser, Together in Hope, on November 13. 

It will be a meaningful evening and a moving conversation about how we can all hold onto hope for the future during difficult times. Rachel and Jon have been leaders and role models for two years, and we are grateful to be able to hear their story firsthand. I hope you will join us.

May we soon see the return of the hostages and an end to the war.

Shabbat shalom,