An American hostage was among six Israeli captives murdered by Hamas militants in a tunnel in Gaza. This tragedy has united politicians across party lines in mourning and condemnation.
The Israel Defense Forces announced over the weekend that the bodies of six hostages were recovered from a tunnel in Gaza. One of the hostages was 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
Goldberg-Polin, a native of Berkeley, California, was among those taken during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle expressed their grief and called for the remaining hostages to be brought home.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC) stated, “Six worlds were shattered when those lives were stolen,” referring to the six hostages. She added, “May the memories of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Alex Lobanov be a blessing for all who knew them. I mourn with their friends and families.”
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper also spoke about the impactful role of Goldberg-Polin’s parents, who had been advocating for the release of hostages.
Cooper, who met with the parents, shared on social media, “I’m praying for them and the other hostage families. Bring them home now and end this war that is causing so much suffering for so many families.”
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Budd echoed these sentiments, stating, “This is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed.” He stressed the need for the U.S. government to pursue justice for the victims and ensure the safe return of all American hostages.
Other Republicans also voiced their support for Israel and the urgency of bringing the hostages home.
Rep. Chuck Edwards asserted, “The U.S. must stand with Israel in its fight against terrorism. No more families should have to grieve the loss of a loved one from such brutality.”
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican candidate for governor, criticized the Biden-Harris Administration and his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Stein, stating, “The U.S. government must stand firmly with Israel and hold those responsible accountable and work tirelessly to bring every hostage, including Americans still being held in captivity, home.”
While some have criticized the Israeli government for its stance on ceasefire negotiations, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), placed the blame solely on Hamas, calling them “despicable terrorists who murder innocent people.”
Reports indicate that Israel believes 101 hostages remain in Palestinian custody, with 35 of them reportedly already dead. The tragedy of the six murdered hostages, including an American citizen, has further galvanized calls for action against Hamas and for the safe return of all captives.
This bipartisan outcry is a testament to the gravity of the crisis and the shared hope for the safe return of those still in captivity.