From the Liveblog of
Friday, March 8, 2024
‘Think of our soldiers’: Hostage’s father waves off Jerusalem Marathon runners
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Jon Polin, father of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, speaks at the start of the Jerusalem Marathon, addressing Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion about the event that he calls “emotional but unusual.”
“Jerusalem is Hersh’s city, a city that he loves and is proud of,” says Polin, asking runners to think of each and every soldier, the heroes who fell in battle during the last months and about the courageous soldiers who continue to fight and about the 134 hostages still held by terror groups in Gaza.
“We pray that we will today bring back all the hostages and that the soldiers will soon complete their important mission and return home safely,” says Polin, wishing a pleasant and meaningful run to all the participants.
“Amen,” answers the crowd.
“Yalla, Jerusalem,” says Polin.
