Joe Biden releases scathing statement after Hersh Goldberg-Polin's death: ‘Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes’

Joe Biden has broken his silence after the family of Israeli-American man Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had been abducted on October 7, announced his death.

Published on: Sep 1, 2024, 11:44:26 IST

By Sumanti Sen

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President Joe Biden has broken his silence after the family of Israeli-American man Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had been abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7, announced his death. Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped while he was attending the Supernova music festival in Israel.

Joe Biden releases scathing statement after Hersh Goldberg-Polin's death (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, Bring Hersh Home/Facebook)

‘Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes’

“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,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

“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,” Biden added.

Biden wrote that he has gotten to know Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Jon and Rachel, and described them as “courageous, wise, and steadfast.” “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,” Biden wrote.

He added, “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.”

Goldberg-Polin’s family shared the news of his death on Facebook, saying they are “devastated.” “The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy at this time,” they wrote.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sumanti Sen
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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