Parents of US hostage held by Hamas plead for son's return, call for war to end in emotional DNC speech

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: The parents of 23-year-old US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was taken hostage by Hamas during their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, appeared on stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Wednesday, August 21, and pleaded for the release of the hostages and an end for "the suffering of the innocent civilians in Gaza."

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin were greeted with a long standing ovation and chants of "Bring them home" as they took to the stage on the third night of the DNC. During their 10-minute speech, they steered clear of political stances and highlighted the plight of themselves and all those affected as a "humanitarian issue."

According to the Associated Press, Hersh Goldberg-Polin lost part of his left arm when he was kidnapped by Hamas last year.

His parents wore stickers with the the number 320 on stage, drawing attention to the number of days he has been held captive.

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin's call for peace at DNC

"In an inflamed Middle East, we know the one thing that can most immediately release pressure and bring calm to the entire region: a deal that brings this diverse group of 109 hostages home and ends the suffering of the innocent civilians in Gaza," stated Jon Polin.  

 

Among those applauding his remark in the audience was Rep Ilhan Omar (D-Mn), a member of the progressive Squad in Congress who has been one of the strongest critics of Israel's assault on Gaza and long highlighted the plight of innocent Palestinians.

"The time is now," said Polin, leaving the mic for his wife Rachel Goldberg-Polin. 

"At this moment, 109 treasured human beings are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. They are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. They are from 23 different countries. The youngest hostage is a 1-year-old redheaded baby boy, and the oldest is an 86-year-old mustachioed grandpa," she said.

"Among the hostages are eight American citizens. One of those Americans is our only son. His name is Hersh."

Goldberg then addressed her captive son, telling him to "stay strong" and "survive."

Conservatives blame Biden administration for hostage situation in Gaza

Some conservatives felt heartbroken at the plight of Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin and took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the Joe Biden administration over the situation in Gaza.

"Such grace and strength. May their son come home soon. Bless him and his parents and all the families of all hostages," wrote one social user.

"So emotional! I was crying!" expressed another.

 

"Why the hell are you supporting the Democrats? Biden and Harris created this situation," stated one person.

"Biden-Kamala let this war go on for almost a year, that's what happens when you elect warmongers," echoed another.

"Heartbreaking," noted one individual.

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