By Gabriella Gomperts, Features Editor
It’s hard to believe that it has been six months since October 7. It feels as though it was only yesterday that we were sitting in Lamport Auditorium at an Israel solidarity event in the early days of the war. Now, six months later, YU students have found themselves sitting in the exact same seats as they did then. Israelis and diaspora Jews alike have endured some of their hardest days in the past six months, and yet we are still here, and still holding out hope.
On April 7, 2024, exactly six months after the October 7 Hamas invasion and attack on Israel, the YU community had the privilege to hear from Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin – the parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin – and Luis Har, a hostage who was rescued by the IDF nearly two months ago.
Although the event was only scheduled to start at 8:00 PM, seats in Lamport Auditorium started to fill before 7:00 PM. Zemirot played from the loudspeakers, students davened along the sides of the room, and people spoke amongst themselves. However, the moment the speakers entered the hall, the room fell silent and everyone stood up out of respect.
Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin have been some of the loudest voices advocating for the release of the hostages since October 7. Hersh, an adventurous 23-year-old who is a dual American-Israeli citizen, was severely wounded in the attack, taken captive by Hamas, and has yet to receive medical attention from the Red Cross. Luis Har, 71, is a native Argentinian who performed as a dancer and actor for many years. Taken hostage on October 7, he was held in Gaza for 129 days until he was rescued in a special forces operation along with his partner’s brother, Fernando Marman, on February 12, 2024.
After a short introductory video depicting Israelis’ response to the war, Vice Provost Erica Brown, the director of the Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership, introduced the night’s event. “We can’t comprehend the extent of the damage and of everyone lost that day,” stated Brown. “We in this room haven’t been silent. We have cried and we are still crying.”
President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman also spoke, emphasizing the importance of the work we as Jews have been tasked with during these past six months. “On October 7, Jewish history called. It has asked us to stand up and stand out as Jews… To unify around a common cause and fight to free our hostages,” said Rabbi Berman. “Six months ago, I stood here and said to you, dear students, graduates, and staff, that we’re each called to service. And I’m proud to say during these six months you have served.”
Whether it’s organizing donations for soldiers, raising money for wives and widows of soldiers, and even going to Israel to volunteer, YU students have served with zeal, Rabbi Berman elucidated. The student coalition Operation Torah Shield alone has organized two missions to Israel supporting displaced families, working on farms, and delivering necessary equipment for soldiers.
Rabbi Berman then introduced Rachel Goldberg-Polin, who spoke about her family and son’s relationship, and stressed that even though she and her son disagreed on how to observe certain mitzvot, Hersh was always respectful of his parents’ values. She also discussed how it is a Jewish value to preserve life, even those of our enemies, and to be accepting of others who think differently in our community.
“Every single little thing [you are doing], we feel it. And it seems unbelievable, but believe ,” said Rachel as she spoke directly to the crowd. “We live really far away and I feel what every single one of you is doing. The whole country feels it.” She continued, “Family shows up when family is in pain and suffering, so I commend all of you, and I really respect you, and I’m really grateful to you. Please don’t stop, because it’s working.”
Jon also urged the crowd to continue to act, especially politically as Americans. “My only request tonight is that you keep on showing up as long as necessary until we bring home Hersh and all of the other hostages,” said Jon. “Keep on raising awareness, keep on spreading the story, and not letting the story fall off the radar, and exert all United States leverage and pressure on those parties to bring home a deal and to do it now.”
As Luis Har and his family walked onstage, Tov L’hodot L’Hashem played on the speakers and the audience cheered. With great emotion, Luis hugged Rabbi Shay Schachter, his translator on the stage.
Har told his story from the beginning, how his family heard the rockets early in the morning and were watching the news when they heard terrorists at their door. His five family members and their dog were abducted and taken into the tunnels in Gaza, where they were held together until they were moved to a civilian home. The women were released as part of the ceasefire deal in November, 2023, leaving Luis and Fernando together in Gaza.
While in captivity, Har was adamant that he was not prepared to be a part of a military rescue operation because he was concerned a soldier would be injured or killed in the attempt. He said, “I would rather stay here than to jeopardize one of their lives.”
When Har and Marman were freed by IDF soldiers, the soldiers referred to them as “the diamonds.” The next day, Har responded by saying, “You who have risked your lives to save us are the real diamonds.”
Lee Sauer (SSSB ‘25) is grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a meaningful event. “Coming together to listen to the inspiring stories of hope from both the Goldberg-Polin’s and Luis Har has shown me the true impact each and every one of us can have for the hostages’ families, those in Israel, and the spirit of all of Am Yisrael,” said Sauer. “This evening has made me feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing community and YU family.”
However emotional the event was, the feeling of hopefulness within the auditorium was palpable. Everyone in the room was there to support the Goldberg-Polin family, to celebrate Luis Har’s miraculous rescue and to hear their stories.
Rachel remains hopeful and is thankful as she feels the support from the YU community. “I don’t know the right words to explain and describe what it feels like to have the support and love and to be loved by every single person in this room,” said Rachel. “We need it, and I’m telling you, and you know this probably already, but I know it will work, and he’s coming home.”
A recording of the full event can be found here.
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University