In the heart of Jerusalem, a cherished member of an anti-racist football community, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, found himself thrust into an unexpected nightmare on October 7. Amid the lively beats of a techno party, attended by 3,000 revelers about 5.3km from Gaza, chaos erupted as Hamas fighters breached the fence separating the enclave from southern Israel. Seeking refuge in a bomb shelter with his friend Aner Shapira, Hersh faced a hail of bullets and grenades, displaying a remarkable composure even as tragedy unfolded.
About ‘Bring Hersh Home’: Football club waits for Israeli ‘leftie’
Caught on film with the lower half of his left arm severed and bone exposed, Hersh, trained in medical first aid, improvised a makeshift tourniquet. The haunting footage captured him being taken by Hamas fighters, marking the beginning of his captivity. Officially recognized as one of approximately 240 held captive by Hamas, Hersh’s plight has sparked a global call for action.
Beyond the media’s gaze, Hersh’s friends pay tribute to his life in Jerusalem, emphasizing his deep connection to Hapoel Jerusalem, a politically left-leaning football club. A staunch supporter, Hersh embodied the club’s values, a stark contrast to the right-leaning political landscape of the city. His room’s decor, featuring the message “Jerusalem for everyone” in English, Arabic, and Hebrew, became a symbol of resistance, displayed across the city in solidarity.
Hersh’s friends, determined to keep his spirit alive, have transformed the city with graffiti murals bearing the plea, “Bring Hersh Home.” In a stadium where only a fraction of seats are filled, Hersh’s unwavering presence stands out. Whether cheering from the stands or sharing moments at the supporters’ favorite left-wing bar in central Jerusalem, Hersh’s absence is palpable.
As the rallying cry “Bring Hersh Home” echoes through the city, his friends find solace in the calm demeanor he exhibited in the last video. If Hersh regains freedom, they eagerly anticipate the day they can embrace him once again in the stands of his beloved football club.
