Reflections on Grief and Commemoration Three Years After the Tragic Events

Reflections on Grief: A Mother’s Perspective

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, shares her ongoing struggle with grief after her son’s body was found in Gaza, nearly 11 months after his disappearance. Taken during the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, Hersh was among six hostages held by Hamas. His body was discovered in a tunnel beneath Rafah, Gaza’s southern city, in September 2024.

Rachel explains that grief doesn’t improve but might change over time. She hopes it will become different, though she experiences an increasing craving for her lost son. Recently, overwhelmed by sorrow, she said to her daughter, “I haven’t seen my son in three years.”

Rachel describes her son Hersh as someone extraordinary in his ordinariness. While there is a temptation to mythologize young people who die tragically, she affirms he was a “perfect match” in life. Hersh’s life was a blend of beauty and imperfections.

Heightened Vigilance for Israelis Abroad

Amid heightened security risks, Israel’s National Security Council advised Israelis living abroad to exercise increased caution on the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement urging individuals to avoid sharing travel plans and content revealing security force service on social media. Specific travel to Jordan, Qatar, Somaliland, and Egypt was discouraged, along with minimizing speaking Hebrew in public areas.

Commemorative Events in Israel

On the third anniversary of the 2023 attacks, Israel observed a nationwide moment of silence at 6:29 a.m. local time. This event marked the exact start of the 2023 Hamas assault. President Isaac Herzog and first lady Michal Herzog participated by lighting a memorial candle at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, initiating a day of remembrance.