On Monday, a vast number of individuals filled the parking area of a cemetery in Jerusalem to pay their respects to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli American citizen whose body was discovered among the hostages in Gaza. Friends and family delivered heartfelt eulogies while singing traditional Jewish hymns, marking the occasion with deep emotions.

The funeral served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing dangers that other hostages still face in the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip. It captured the attention of a diverse cross-section of Israeli society, with both secular and religious attendees drawn together by compassion for Goldberg-Polin’s harrowing experience, even if they had not personally known him.

This gathering also marked the culmination of nearly 11 months of relentless efforts by Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, who traveled worldwide to advocate for their son’s release. Their journey took them to significant figures, including President Biden, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Pope Francis, seeking any support they could find.

In her grief, Ms. Goldberg-Polin, wearing a traditional ripped garment as part of Jewish mourning, expressed her profound honor in being her son’s mother while sharing the unimaginable torment she faced through the uncertainty of his captivity.