1 month ago
Last Updated: March 12, 2024, 15:28 IST
Hersh's father (left) and a banner for release one of the other hostages. (News18)
Every Saturday, after Shabbat, people of Israel pray on the streets of Tel Aviv for the release and safety of hostages
It has been almost 157 days and people of Israel are still waiting for the release of 134 people, including 19 women and 8 American citizens, who were kidnapped by terrorist group Hamas on October 7.
Meanwhile, the Netanyahu government is under mounting pressure from families of hostages, who fear time is running out. Every Saturday, after Shabbat, people of Israel come onto the streets at Tel Aviv and pray for their release and safety.
‘BRING HERSH BACK’
On October 7, 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin was at the Supernova festival when Hamas attacked. As the onslaught began, Hersh sent his family a text message: “I love you.” Ten minutes later, he added: “I am sorry.”
During the attack, Hersh, his best friend, Aner Shapira, and others took refuge in a field shelter, which was bombarded with grenades. Shapira managed to throw seven grenades out, before being killed. Hersh, whose one hand was blow off, was abducted by a Hamas terrorist and put on a truck. His family has now started a massive campaign — ‘Bring Hersh back’.
Hersh was born in America, but his family shifted to Israel when he was seven. As News18 met Hersh’s father Jon Polin at Jerusalem, he was wearing a red T-shirt with Hersh’s photo and a message – ‘Bring Hersh Home’.
“Hersh was on a one-month Europe tour in September and had just returned to Israel. He had booked a ticket to Goa and was to be in India during Christmas 2023, but he couldn’t make it. Once he is released, we will visit India. We need India’s support for our son’s safety,” he said.
WAIT FOR BIBAS, HER 2 KIDS & HUSBAND
Also waiting is the family of Shiri Bibas, who was seen clutching her two boys as she was kidnapped. Five months later, the fate of Bibas and her kids is unclear. Israel has not confirmed the announcement by Hamas that Bibas and her children, four-year-old Ariel and now one-year-old Kfir, were killed in Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip. Bibas’s husband Yarden Bibas, 34, was also among the hostages abducted by Hamas.
Ofri Levy, sister-in-law of Bibas, said, “She always wanted to be a mother. A loving, caring, devoted mother, her children were her priority. Even in the most terrifying moment, surrounded by terrorists, she protected Ariel and Kfir with her body and with so much love. Shiri, how is it possible to be a mother while held hostage?”
Bibas’s is among the pictures put up at Israel hospitals, cars, buildings, grocery stores, schools and university, with the message: ‘Bring Them Home Now’.
