Lauren Rutkin Meets with Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin

I had the honor of meeting Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin during my recent work trip to Israel. There was so much discussed from our session with them, I could go on for hours, but what remained with me was how they described the crossroads we face as a people.

There is now a truly symbiotic relationship between the United States and Israel. We are no longer simply “Diaspora and Israel”—our futures are intertwined and inseparable. Since October 7th, many who once stood at the margins have drawn closer into the tent, and this moment presents a real and urgent opportunity to bring them even nearer. It remains essential for young Jews to experience Israel firsthand, yet we must also imagine a kind of “Birthright” in the other direction—creating deeper, sustained people-to-people connections.

Rachel and Jon were clear that the return of all the hostages cannot be called a “victory.” Using that language, Rachel said, erases the reality that continues to unfold. They visit wounded soldiers and survivors in hospitals—people who have lost limbs, whose bodies were burned, people still unable to speak or leave their homes. An entire society is profoundly traumatized and has not yet begun to heal. Those who survived without being taken hostage, yet witnessed the murder of friends and family, are too often absent from the narrative. Their wounds are real, even when invisible.

Some hostages are able to tell their stories; others cannot yet find their voices. Even those who appear “okay” carry deep trauma, and many are still fighting for the support and care they deserve. All but one may be home, but this is far from victory.

They also spoke about an Israeli investigative program, similar to 60 Minutes, that aired the story of the “Beautiful Six.” Around Chanukah, brief footage surfaced of the six in the tunnels—part of hours of video from captivity. Rachel and Jon immediately knew the world needed to see it and worked to add English subtitles. The program details their captivity and the devastating operational failures in the days leading up to their murders, including what the government knew. Families learned of their deaths through rumors, not even a phone call.

Rachel and Jon believe this story must be seen. They want every Jew to watch it and to share it widely—to pay it forward to friends, family, and colleagues. They want the world to know Hersh, and to know what happened to him.

This hour is chilling. Please watch and share.

Here is a free link to the “Beautiful Six” episode with English subtitles
Password: UVDA_EN#1234