Condolences to the Family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin

The body of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg was found alongside five other hostages in Gaza. His mother, Rachel, had sent a video message to Pope Francis and met him at the Vatican. She also recorded video messages to Christians for Christmas and Lent.

Hersh loved soccer and music. He was curious, respectful, and passionate about traveling, according to his mother. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, he moved to Israel when he was 8. Hersh became one of the most internationally recognized hostages among the 240 taken by Hamas on October 7. For months, his parents made pleas to bring their son and the other hostages home.

Fr. Piotr, the Vicar of St. James, who participated in the funeral of Hersh sent a condolence letter to the family Golberg Polin.

In the Vicariate, we continue to pray for the return of the hostages.

Here is the text of the letter:

Dear Rachel and Jon,

It is with a heavy heart that I extend to you the deepest condolences from the entire community of St. James Vicariate for Hebrew Speaking Catholics. We stand with you in this time of profound sorrow following the loss of your beloved son, Hersh. May the Almighty bestow upon you the gift of comfort and wrap you in His boundless compassion.

Please know that Hersh and all the hostages were in our fervent prayers, and we hoped for their safe return. Hersh's untimely departure has left a void in our hearts, but we find solace in the faith that he is now in the loving embrace of our Creator. We continue to lift up in prayer those still in captivity, and we remain steadfast in our hope for their release and for the dawn of peace.

In this difficult time, may you find strength in the love that surrounds you, both seen and unseen, and in the prayers that ascend on behalf of your family.

With heartfelt sympathy and prayer,

Fr. Piotr Zelazko

Patriarchal Vicar of St. James Vicariate for Hebrew Speaking Catholics in Israel