The family of Bay Area-born Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin says he was killed in the Gaza Strip.
Goldberg-Polin was born in Berkeley and then moved to Virginia. The family issued a statement early Sunday, just hours after the Israeli army said it had found bodies in Gaza.
“With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce the passing of their beloved son and brother Hersh,” it said. “The family thanks you all for your love and support and asks for privacy during this time.”
Goldberg-Polin was one of the most famous hostages because his parents had met with world leaders and tirelessly asked them for help.
His family received proof of life through a video of him in April of this year and hoped to see their son alive again one day.
Goldberg-Polin's parents Rachel and Jon have never stopped fighting for their son's release. Most recently, the two spoke at the Democratic Party Convention in Chicago, calling for their son's freedom and the release of all Hamas hostages.
“This is a political congress. But the need to bring our only son – and all our beloved hostages – home is not a political issue. It is a humanitarian issue,” said Jon Polin, whose son lost part of his left arm and was kidnapped by Israeli militants who attacked the music festival he was attending.
Polin and his wife, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, were greeted with sustained applause and shouts of “Bring him home” from the thousands of Democratic delegates in Chicago.
Earlier this summer, Time magazine honored Goldberg-Polin's mother, Rachel, by including her in the magazine's list of 100 most influential people for her advocacy work.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
