Hersh Goldberg-Polin kidnapping: Internet beyond heartbroken as Hamas release proof-of-life video of Israeli-American hostage

Hamas posted a ‘proof-of-lifetime’ video of Hersh Goldberg-Palin, an American-Israeli citizen who has been held hostage by the group since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7. Many on social media engaged in heated debates about the clip.

The clip went viral on social media, with many people being heartbroken and sending their condolences for Goldberg. Many also expressed their sympathy for Goldberg’s parents, who must be enduring unimaginable suffering.

Hamas releases video of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin 

Goldberg, originally from California, was attending the Nova Festival in Israel when the massacre occurred. He was captured during the chaos and has now been held captive for over 200 days, the Daily Mail reports. 

In a video posted by Hamas, Goldberg makes it clear that he blames Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for his long-term ordeal. Sporting a shaven head and showing signs of injury, including the amputation of his left arm, Goldberg says, "I was arrested on October 7 at the Nova Festival in Rei'm. I went out seeking entertainment with my friends."

Goldberg recounts the terrifying experience, saying, "Instead, I found myself struggling to survive with serious injuries all over my body. Nevertheless, I took it upon myself to protect myself and the people who were afraid around me because there was no one to protect us that day."

Directing his anger at Netanyahu and his government, Goldberg accuses them of abandoning him and other citizens, saying, "Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, should be ashamed of yourselves because you neglected us along with thousands of other citizens. You should be ashamed of yourselves for leaving us for two hundred days, and all the efforts of the army have failed. Also, you should be ashamed because all the deals that were offered to you were rejected. Don't you want to end this nightmare?"

He further asserts, "Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government, at a time when you are holding lunched with your families, think of us detainees in underground hell without water, food, or sun; without the treatment I need for so long. I ask you the Prime Minister, your government, and the cabinet. Every day we are here, you ignore us more and more, and you ignore our blood. It is time to hand over the government keys and evacuate the ministries and sit in your homes."

In a heartfelt message to his family, Goldberg expresses, "Another and last thing is more important than all; my mother, my father, Liby and Orly - I love you so much and miss you so much, and I think about you every day that passes on me. I know you're doing your best to get me home as soon as possible. I want you to stay strong for me, and not stop until we all return home in peace."

Internet says bring Hersh Goldberg-Polin home

A user wrote online, "It’s beyond heartbreaking. Hersh lives not far from me, friends know him and his family. The sweetest kindest young man and such. wonderful family are going through the most unimaginable torture. Pray he makes it home alive and they can try and rebuild their lives."

Another user wrote, "What a brave man and although under terrible circumstances, I am so glad he got to tell his family he loves them. Bring him home."

A user commented, "He' s being forced by his captures to make this video. If anyone is to blame for him being held captive for 200 days, it would be Hamas, the people who kidnapped and are torturing him. And this is the people all these college kids and professors are 'protesting' for. They are nothing more than terrorists and by protesting, you are supporting terrorism. It is not complicated."

A user stated, "I was thinking of how terrifying it has to be to have this kind of injury while being kidnapped. Poor man."

Another user stated, "Arrested? Not kidnapped or taken prisoner? I don't believe for a second he s saying his own words. He is saying what Hamas tells him to say."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.