Father Remembers Son Hirsch Goldberg-Polin's Deep Connection to Hapoel Jerusalem
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
John, father of slain hostage Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, spoke about his son's deep connection to Hapoel Jerusalem and his efforts to foster dialogue. Hirsch, abducted on October 7, 2023, and killed in August 2024, was a devoted fan whose passion inspired social initiatives. John described the family's ongoing grief and the projects honoring Hirsch, including a new basketball team. He also highlighted Hirsch's unique ability to connect with people holding different views, a trait he now strives to emulate.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- John, father of slain hostage Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, discussed his son's deep connection to Hapoel Jerusalem.
- Hirsch Goldberg-Polin was abducted on October 7, 2023, and killed in August 2024.
- Hirsch's passion for Hapoel Jerusalem inspired social initiatives, including Jewish-Arab football games.
- Projects honoring Hirsch include a mural and a new basketball team, "Hapoel HaShisha Jerusalem."
- John highlighted Hirsch's ability to engage with people holding different viewpoints.
- The family continues to receive support from Hapoel Jerusalem and Werder Bremen fans.
John, the father of Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, who was killed while held captive, spoke about his son's profound connection to the Hapoel Jerusalem sports club. Hirsch, who was abducted from the Nova festival on October 7, 2023, at age 23, was held for nearly 11 months in Hamas tunnels before being murdered in August 2024 along with five other hostages. From a young age, Hirsch was a devoted fan of Hapoel Jerusalem, a passion that led him to participate in social initiatives, including organizing joint football games between Jewish and Arab children. He also developed close ties with fans of Werder Bremen in Germany. His funeral was attended by many Hapoel Jerusalem supporters.
In an interview on "5 Ba'avir - The Newsroom," John described the family's ongoing struggle since Hirsch's death. "Every day is difficult, every moment is difficult," he stated, emphasizing the need to balance personal grief with national reflection. He shared that he constantly multitasks, thinking and speaking to Hirsch throughout the day while managing daily life. He expressed longing for ordinary moments, like quiet evenings on the couch, which are now deeply missed.
John also discussed various projects established in Hirsch's memory. These include a new mural outside the Arena and near Teddy Stadium depicting Hirsch and Uri Dinnu, who supported each other in captivity. Additionally, a new basketball team, "Hapoel HaShisha Jerusalem," has been formed to honor the six hostages killed together. The team's inaugural game is scheduled for October 20 in Jerusalem. John highlighted the continued support from Hapoel Jerusalem's management and fans, as well as from the Werder Bremen fan group, which recently visited his family.
Reflecting on Hirsch's character, John noted his son's unusual ability and desire to engage in conversations with people who held different views, whether on politics or sports. Hirsch sought to understand their perspectives rather than simply disagree. John is now trying to emulate this trait, encouraging dialogue and genuine listening. He concluded by expressing hope for a better future for Israel, emphasizing the potential for the country to be the best in the world through mutual understanding and effort.
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