Gov. Youngkin issues statement after death of Richmond man taken hostage by Hamas

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a statement following the death of 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who grew up in Richmond and was one of many people taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7.

On Sunday, Sept. 1, Gov. Youngkin issued the following statement after the reported death of Goldberg-Polin , who was held hostage by Hamas following the Oct. 7 attack:

“After 330 agonizing days since the brutal terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th that left more than 1,200 dead and hundreds more held hostage, Johnathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg woke up to unimaginable news that no parent should ever receive. Suzanne and I are angered and heartbroken by the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a senseless murder at the hands of terrorists. Today, Virginians, Americans, and the world join the Goldberg-Polin family and the Keneseth Beth Israel Synagogue in prayer.”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

According to the Governor’s Office, Goldberg-Polin’s body was discovered by Israeli forces in a tunnel beneath the Gaza city of Rafah.

According to NewsNation , Goldberg-Polin’s family announced his death in a statement on Saturday.

Goldberg-Polin’s parents , Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, previously spoke at the Democratic National Convention , where Goldberg explained that her son was visiting southern Israel to attend the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival with a friend, Aner. They were meant to be celebrating Goldberg-Polin’s 23rd birthday.

At the convention, Goldberg said her son’s left and dominant arm was blown off during the attack.

At around noon on Sunday, Senator Mark Warner issued the following statement:

“I am heartbroken for the Goldberg-Polin family, whose son and brother Hersh was brutally murdered by Hamas along with five other hostages abducted on October 7, 2023. Over the past 330 days, Rachel and Jon have demonstrated extraordinary strength and grace in the face of overwhelming personal devastation, drawing upon their love for Hersh to share his light and selfless spirit with the world and to advocate for his return. Hersh’s abduction while peacefully enjoying a music festival and subsequent murder is further evidence of Hamas’ violence and depravity, which have caused pain and suffering across the region for far too long. Today my prayers are with the entire Goldberg-Polin family as they mourn. May Hersh’s memory be a blessing.”

United States Senator Mark R. Warner

According to the Governor’s Office, Youngkin will order flags to be flown at half-staff in memory and honor of Goldberg-Polin.

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