From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 12, 2025
Parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin celebrate return of Edan Alexander
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
As Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander crosses the border back into Israel, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the parents of murdered hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, post a message on social media.
“In 584 days, we’ve come to know and love the Alexander family,” says Polin. “Adi, Yael, Savta Varda, Aunt Iris and Uncle Levi and all of the extended family, today we are celebrating with all of you.”
The Goldberg-Polins and Alexanders were part of the group of American-Israeli dual citizen families fighting for their loved ones since the October 7 Hamas terror onslaught, where their sons were taken hostage.
“And most important, Edan, we’ve grown to love you without ever having met you,” says Rachel Goldberg-Polin. “We’re so relieved that you are home, welcome home.”
“And to everyone,” says Goldberg-Polin, raising her finger in warning, “we have 58 more people that have to come home.”
The Times of Israel Community.