Biden, Harris Erase Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s Israeli Identity in Statements

 President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris released statements on Saturday night regarding the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old American-Israeli hostage. Notably, both statements did not mention Goldberg-Polin’s Israeli citizenship.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin, born in California and holding U.S. citizenship, was also an Israeli citizen who had served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the armored corps, as reported by Israel’s Army Radio on Sunday.

During the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, in August, references to the hostages tended to minimize Goldberg-Polin’s Israeli identity, potentially to accommodate pro-Palestinian delegates who sought a speaking opportunity.

In contrast, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, speeches and prayers about the hostages openly acknowledged their dual identities, including that of U.S. citizens who were also Israelis.

In his statement, President Biden remarked:

"Earlier today, in a tunnel under the city of Rafah, Israeli forces recovered six bodies of hostages held by Hamas. We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. I am devastated and outraged. Hersh was among the innocents brutally attacked while attending a music festival for peace in Israel on October 7. He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre. He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world. I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable. They have been relentless and irrepressible champions of their son and of all the hostages held in unconscionable conditions. I admire them and grieve with them more deeply than words can express. I know all Americans tonight will have them in their prayers, just as Jill and I will. I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death. It is as tragic as it is reprehensible. Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages."

Vice President Harris also issued a statement, saying:

"On October 7, Hersh Goldberg-Polin—an American citizen—was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. He was just 23 years old, attending a music festival with friends. We now know he was murdered by Hamas. His body was recovered today in the tunnels under Rafah, along with five other hostages. Doug and my prayers are with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Hersh’s parents, and with everyone who knew and loved Hersh. When I met with Jon and Rachel earlier this year, I told them: You are not alone. That remains true as they mourn this terrible loss. Americans and people around the world will pray for Jon, Rachel, and their family and send them love and strength. As is said in the Jewish tradition, may Hersh’s memory be a blessing. Hamas is an evil terrorist organization. With these murders, Hamas has even more American blood on its hands. I strongly condemn Hamas’ continued brutality, and so must the entire world. From its massacre of 1,200 people to sexual violence, taking of hostages, and these murders, Hamas’ depravity is evident and horrifying. The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel—and American citizens in Israel—must be eliminated and Hamas cannot control Gaza. The Palestinian people too have suffered under Hamas’ rule for nearly two decades. As Vice President, I have no higher priority than the safety of American citizens, wherever they are in the world. President Biden and I will never waver in our commitment to free the Americans and all those held hostage in Gaza."

The hostages, including Goldberg-Polin, were discovered in a tunnel in Rafah, where they were held by Hamas and subsequently killed as Israeli Defense Forces approached.

Vice President Harris had previously urged Israel not to enter Rafah, warning of potential "consequences," including the suspension of American military aid. This stance could have potentially delayed a rescue operation by months.

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