The heartbreaking ordeal experienced by Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American-Israeli hostage murdered by Hamas terrorists last week, has been further intensified with the release of a propaganda video produced by his captors before they brutally executed him. As Israeli soldiers approached the location where he was being held, the young 23-year-old man was forced to speak in English and address President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and “my fellow American citizens.
In the distressing video, Goldberg-Polin detailed his horrific treatment by his captors. He revealed that he had been living with almost no medical care, scarce food, and minimal water since arriving in Gaza. Furthermore, he lamented, “I can’t remember the last time I saw the sun or took a breath of fresh air.
It is evident that Hamas sought to use this propaganda video to amplify public awareness of their atrocities and place additional pressure on the Israeli government by showcasing the proof of their cruelty. In the message, Hersh states, “And worst of all, my own country, Israel, has been trying to bomb me nonstop.” This statement likely reflects a forced claim made by his captors in an attempt to reinforce the false narrative that Israel is responsible for the deaths of hostages in Hamas’ possession.
The video concludes with a poignant message from Hersh to his family, expressing love and hope for eventual freedom through a potential hostage exchange deal. Goldberg-Polin was one of the most recognizable faces among the hostages, with posters and graffiti demanding his release appearing throughout Jerusalem, particularly in English-speaking areas. The devastating impact of his loss was felt globally, including in the United States, as his funeral was watched around the world.