Parents of Slain Hostage Urge Student Leaders to Action at Summit

Jewish student leaders from across the United States convened in Washington, D.C. for the Israel on Campus Coalition’s National Leadership Summit. The summit featured an address from the parents of an American-Israeli hostage who was killed by Hamas.

Jon and Rachel Polin, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, made a direct appeal to the group of over 700 students. They urged them to find their purpose, speak with courage, and actively work towards the release of the hostages still believed to be held in Gaza. Jon Polin encouraged the students to engage in dialogue and to approach discussions with an open mind.

The Polins' remarks were delivered shortly after the collapse of the latest ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. They appeared alongside freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel as keynote speakers. Hersh Goldberg-Polin was abducted by Hamas terrorists from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. His death was confirmed this summer after nearly ten months of uncertainty.

"When you have a why, you’ll figure out how." The surviving hostages, she said, repeated the "what is our why?" mantra daily to maintain morale.

Jon described Hersh as a young man who exemplified what he now calls "a revolution for good." He highlighted Hersh's ability to listen and engage with those who held differing opinions. Rachel described this as "radical listening." Jon shared a conversation with another Israeli who used Hersh’s photo as their phone background, reminding them to strive to be better each day.

Rachel urged the student leaders to take action, no matter how small. She encouraged them to do something every day, whether it be wearing a symbol, reciting a prayer, or writing to officials. Addressing the rise in antisemitism on college campuses, Jon urged students to avoid despair and victimhood. He challenged them to confront hatred with confidence and to focus on strength and resilience.

Rachel also encouraged the students to strive for progress, not perfection. She urged them to consider what they could do each day to make the world a better place. Her remarks concluded with a message of hope, expressing a desire for resilience, healing, and comfort for all. She emphasized the presence of light ahead and encouraged everyone to move towards it.