A Rainbow-Colored World of Grief and Resilience
In the heart of Jerusalem, the Kravitz Office Supply store is a vibrant space filled with paper, notebooks, pens, and an array of colorful items like Winnie-the-Pooh backpacks and Felix the Cat water bottles. Among the stacks of printers, Rachel Goldberg-Polin searches for a specific type of masking tape that she needs. This particular brand, known for its durability and non-removable nature on fabric, is essential for her daily ritual.
The numbers she writes in black sharpie on the masking tape mark the days since her son, Hersh, was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. These numbers are not just a count of time; they represent the relentless struggle of a mother who fought tirelessly to bring her son home. For 330 days, Goldberg-Polin worked to save her son’s life, unaware that he had been executed on day 328.
Goldberg-Polin’s journey has taken her across the globe, from speeches at the Democratic National Convention to meetings with world leaders. She has spoken to Congress, met with Pope Francis, and even traveled to remote locations where she felt the weight of fear. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast in her mission to end the war and bring her son back.
Her efforts were not in vain, but the news of her son’s execution shattered her world. On September 2, 2024, she buried her 23-year-old son, pleading with him to help her and her family stay strong. With her quiet demeanor and graceful presence, Goldberg-Polin has become a symbol of resilience for many, not just within the Jewish community but for all those who have lost loved ones.
Two years after the tragic events, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 66,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. As the numbers continue to rise, Goldberg-Polin faces the question of what comes next. Israel is grappling with deep political and cultural divisions, and antisemitism is on the rise worldwide. Under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the country is increasingly seen as an international pariah due to the scale of Palestinian deaths in Gaza.
A pending peace plan announced by the White House could potentially end the war and see the remaining hostages returned. However, Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari argues that the biggest issue in Israel today is not Hamas, but the inner division within the country. “And if you think, ‘Who can heal this rift?’” he asks, “The last person is Benjamin Netanyahu.”
Could it be a grieving mother?
Still, it is here, in the middle aisle of Kravitz, on a low shelf near the dust and dirt on the floor, where roll 7 came from. She tears another piece of tape and places it over her heart.
A Journey of Faith and Loss
For Goldberg-Polin, the word “mashber” (birth pangs) resonates deeply. It is the same word used in modern Hebrew for “crisis.” Her journey began with the birth of her first child, a boy, in 2000 in Berkeley, California. The revelation of her son’s gender shocked her, as she had expected a girl. But the doctor’s words, “Rachel, all boys in the world come out of women,” became a source of strength and understanding for her.
The Polins moved to Israel in 2008, seeking to be part of the Jewish homeland. Their lives were shaped by the events in Gaza, including the 2008 military operation known as Operation Cast Lead. Hersh, their son, faced challenges adapting to his new environment, but he eventually found his voice and purpose.
Hersh grew up to be a passionate advocate for coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. He even had a colorful poster of the Old City skyline on his desk, emblazoned with the words, “Jerusalem is everyone’s.” His story is one of hope and resilience, but it was tragically cut short on October 7, 2023, when he was taken hostage by Hamas.
The Power of a Mother’s Love
Goldberg-Polin’s journey has been marked by a deep sense of purpose. She believes that every day, her name would change to a new number, a way to keep track of the days since her son was taken. She needed masking tape, and she found it in the kitchen drawer. The first piece she tore was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
As she called out to God for help, she didn’t dwell on the “why” of her loss. Instead, she focused on the “what” – what did God want her to do? Her question was simple: “I know that there’s a reason for all of this. I might never be privy to the why, but I know there’s a why. My question is, what? What do you want me to do? Because I’ll do it.”
Goldberg-Polin’s journey has inspired many. She has become a symbol of hope for those who have lost loved ones, and her message of resilience continues to resonate. In the face of grief and loss, she finds strength in her faith and in the love of her family.
A Mission for the Future
On day 594, in May 2025, Goldberg-Polin took the stage at Yeshiva University in New York to receive an honorary doctorate. She spoke about her loss and the importance of repairing the world. Her words were a call to action, urging others to find their purpose and make a difference.
Goldberg-Polin has been critical of Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage crisis and the violence it has caused. She believes that the most critical thing to do when anyone is lost is to stop and own that we have made a mistake. Her mission is to inspire others to end the war and reunite the remaining hostages with their families.
A Life Transformed
Back in a hotel room on Fifth Avenue, Goldberg-Polin removes her jacket and sits down on a couch to speak with a reporter. She talks about the impact of kidnapping on her life, the loss of her period, and the physical and emotional toll it has taken on her.
Goldberg-Polin’s journey is one of resilience and determination. She has spoken to anyone who will listen, and while she has considered running for political office, she remains focused on her mission. She believes that her story can inspire others and bring about change.
A New Chapter
The cantor stands to lead the congregation in prayer, which will be followed by a ritualistic chanting of Acheinu. Jews have been reciting this prayer for almost a thousand years, but for many, this is the first time they are saying it in the presence of Goldberg-Polin and her husband.
Goldberg-Polin’s journey continues, and her message of hope and resilience resonates with many. She remains a symbol of strength for those who have lost loved ones, and her story serves as a reminder of the power of love and faith.
A Legacy of Love
As the war ends and she peels the final shred of tape from her chest, Goldberg-Polin will continue to carry the memory of her son with her. She will close her eyes each morning and speak to him, feeling his love and light. Her journey is one of love, loss, and resilience, and her story will continue to inspire generations to come.
