Statement on the Murder of Six Hostages in Gaza

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September 1, 2024

The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies stands united in grief over the latest tragic murders of 6 hostages held in Gaza. The Network continues to hold the hostages and their families in our hearts. Today, this collective pain and suffering deepens for us all as we mourn their loss and the maniacal deaths of those who preceded them.

Today, and always, we will remember:

Ori Danino, 25 years old

Carmel Gat, 40 years old

Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23 years old

Alexander Lobanov, 32 years old

Almog Sarusi, 27 years old

Eden Yerushalmi, 24 years old

Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel on October 7th has brought immeasurable suffering. The consequences will endure long past these unimaginable days. We all seek a permanent end to hatred and bloodshed.

The Network’s member agencies work tirelessly to comfort individuals and communities that experience trauma. We encourage all in need of support and healing to contact your local Jewish human service agency. Healing can be painful, hard and arduous. You are not alone in your grief.  Our Network of agencies can help.

Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin have shared their anguish with the world on behalf of their son, on behalf of all of the hostages and on behalf of their families. They have reminded us for almost 11 months that each and every life is precious. They, together with the family members of all of the hostages, have made us all one family.

May those working to release the remaining 101 hostages find strength and clarity to end the war and courage to broker an honest and permanent peace.  May those who are suffering with unspeakable grief be comforted.  And may the memories of those whose lives were horrifically ended be for a blessing, bringing about a legacy of understanding and peace among nations.

We pray for the hostages to COME HOME NOW.