Who is Hersh Golberg-Polin, American man missing after Hamas attack in Israel?

As families across Israel anxiously search for information about their loved ones amidst the ongoing conflict, one American family is desperately seeking help to locate their missing relative.

Who is Hersh Golberg-Polin?

Hersh Golberg-Polin’s family last heard from him on Saturday after he attended a music festival in the Negev desert region. Golberg-Polin, who had recently celebrated his 23rd birthday, left his family in Israel to attend the rave on Friday night. However, on Saturday, the festival came under attack from Hamas militants, with gunfire and kidnappings reported. This was the last time Golberg-Polin’s family heard from him.

Hersh Golberg-Polin’s father, Jonathon Polin, told the Jerusalem Post that they received two ominous text messages from him: “I love you” and “I’m sorry.” The family is desperately seeking his safe return and is gravely concerned for his well-being.

Footage from the festival site has shown numerous casualties, and volunteers on the scene have reported over 250 deaths, although many victims remain unidentified. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged reports of Americans either kidnapped or killed and stated that they were working to verify the information.

“We have reports that several Americans were killed. We’re working overtime to verify that,” Blinken said. He also noted reports of missing Americans and emphasized their efforts to confirm those reports.

Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, similarly acknowledged hearing some reports but could not provide additional details due to the ongoing investigation into the tragic surprise attack.

Hersh Golberg-Polin’s grandmother, Leah Polin, mentioned that the family is utilizing all available resources in their search but was unsure if they had been contacted by the U.S. government. She expressed that they have friends with connections who are doing everything they can to help in this distressing situation.

The family’s plea for information and the search for missing individuals in the aftermath of the attack underscores the human toll and anguish caused by the ongoing conflict.