Michael Levitt, a Toronto-based freelance contributing columnist for the Star, is the president and CEO of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC). @LevittMichael.
I didn’t need to meet Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin in person to be inspired by them and to know they are extraordinary people. But being in their presence during their recent visit to Toronto further heightened my respect and appreciation for their remarkable courage and resilience.
In late May, the Jerusalem-based couple addressed 2,300 people at the annual Voices of Change event in Toronto, organized by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC), which I’m honoured to head.
On Oct. 7, 2023, their 23-year-old son, Hersh, was attending the Nova music festival in southern Israel targeted by Hamas terrorists. Over the past 20 months, since learning Hersh had been wounded and kidnapped by Hamas gunmen and later brutally murdered last summer in Gaza, Rachel and Jon have been living a parent’s worst nightmare. Somehow, they’ve transcended their profound grief and sorrow, channelling their pain into an all-consuming campaign.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Soon after Hamas kidnapped Hersh and 250 others, holding them captive in Gaza, Rachel and Jon sprang into action. They quickly became the symbol of the fight for the release of hostages, campaigning tirelessly around the globe, engaging world leaders, giving countless interviews to international media and speaking publicly before the United Nations, the U.S. Democratic Party Convention and many other audiences.
They constantly raised their anguished voices to bring their son and other hostages home. Their advocacy helped make the plight of the hostages a moral issue harder to ignore. Time magazine named Rachel one of its 100 Most Influential People of 2024.
Last August, they received the horrific news they always feared — Hersh was executed by his Hamas captors, along with five other Israeli captives. Thousands of mourners attended his funeral in Jerusalem. Since then, despite their unspeakable loss, Rachel and Jon continue to speak out, demanding the safe return of all the remaining captives. At the same time, they use their platform to inspire people to be better humans.
At the FSWC event, their trademark sense of hope and positivity were very much in evidence.
“So much of the DNA of the Jewish people is an inexplicable hopefulness,” Rachel told the crowd. “We have said every single day for all these days (since Oct. 7, 2023), hope is mandatory. It’s not advice, it’s not suggestive, it’s actually a command. It’s who we are. It’s why Israel’s national anthem is called “HaTikvah” (The Hope). Hope is different from optimism. Hope is very spiritual. I really believe there is light ahead and we have to keep moving toward that light.”
For his part, Jon cited the wisdom of the late British Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“The real assessment of a society in crisis is whether we emerge cynical and disillusioned, or strengthened in our rededication to higher ideals,” Jon said, echoing the words of the much-revered religious leader, philosopher and author.
“And I thought this is the best thing we can do — just keep higher ideals. Keep contributing good to the world. Keep creating light in the world and that is what we all need to do. It’s what I know we do but we need to remind ourselves that is our mission.”
Their powerful, harrowing saga, their dignity and their compelling words clearly moved the audience.
“Rachel and Jon’s strength, resilience and unwavering commitment to hope in the face of unthinkable pain left an indelible mark on everyone present,” Eynat Katz, an attendee and a representative in Toronto of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, wrote on her Facebook page.
“Their story is not only one of unimaginable loss but also one of love, courage and the fierce belief in a better world. Rather than give in to despair, they’ve chosen to become voices for peace, understanding and justice — a living testament to the power of turning grief into purpose.”
It couldn’t be said better. May the memory of Hersh and all the other hostages slain by Hamas be a blessing. May all the remaining hostages be released immediately, with hope for a future of peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
