Rachel Goldberg shares her heart-wrenching story as the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, kidnapped by Hamas. She recounts the chaos of the attack, highlighting the emotional turmoil families face during this crisis. The podcast delves into the desperate search for missing loved ones and the grief that envelops affected families. Rachel emphasizes the human connections formed through shared sorrow and the urgent need for empathy amid the conflict. Her insights provide a poignant look at the personal impact of a complex tragedy.
Hamas took two hundred hostages, including grandparents and children as young as nine months old, in one of the largest mass abductions in recent history, which has contributed to the deepening crisis in the Middle East and the looming ground invasion of Gaza.
During the attack, a Bedouin man showed immense bravery and humanity by trying to protect the young hostages in the bomb shelter, challenging the notion of an us-versus-them mentality and providing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Deep dives
Mass Abduction: A Crisis in the Middle East
In a recent podcast episode, the New York Times explores a deepening crisis in the Middle East and the fate of the hostages taken by Hamas during a recent attack on Israel. One of the hostages, Hirsch Goldberg-Poland, attended a music festival in the southern part of Israel when the attack occurred. Rachel Goldberg, his mother, recounts the harrowing experience of not hearing from her son since the attack. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Hirsch showed bravery by throwing grenades back at the attackers. Unfortunately, Hirsch and his friend, Honor, were among the hostages taken by the terrorists. Despite the ongoing crisis and uncertainty, Rachel continues to make efforts to raise awareness and bring her son home.
A Glimmer of Hope from a Bedouin Man
During one of the attacks by Hamas, a Bedouin man showed immense bravery and humanity by trying to protect the young hostages in the bomb shelter. He assured them that they were all Muslims, attempting to hide their identities as Jews to save their lives. However, the terrorists beat the Bedouin man, and it is unclear if he survived. This act of kindness from a stranger amidst the chaos provides a glimmer of hope and challenges the notion of an us-versus-them mentality. Rachel, the mother of one of the hostages, finds solace in this display of humanity and believes that understanding the motivations and goals of Hamas is crucial.
Desperate Plea for Son's Return
Rachel Goldberg, the mother of a hostage, expresses her ongoing desperation and hope for her son's safe return. Despite the pain and uncertainty, she continues to make efforts to raise awareness and search for him. Rachel questions the actions of Hamas and their goal of destroying Israel, emphasizing the need for understanding and dialogue. She also highlights the importance of not dehumanizing innocent civilians affected by conflicts on both sides. Rachel's main focus remains on bringing her son home and ensuring that he receives the urgent medical attention needed. Her determination and willingness to go to any length demonstrate the strength of a mother's love and her unwavering quest for her son's return.
Warning: This episode contains strong language and descriptions of violence.
When Hamas attacked Israel, they took two hundred hostages back with them into the Gaza Strip, including grandparents and children as young as nine months old. It was one of the largest mass abductions in recent history.
Now, the fate of those hostages is at the center of a deepening crisis in the Middle East, and a looming ground invasion of Gaza. Today, we hear from the mother of one of these hostages.
Guest: Rachel Goldberg, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is currently being held hostage by Hamas.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode