Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, an individual who holds both Israeli and American citizenship, was kidnapped by Hamas militants on Black Saturday on October 7. According to reports from the Kan-11 television channel, a video released by the terrorist group as part of “psychological warfare” was received by the White House and the FBI. The video, which shows the wounded hostage, has prompted experts at the FBI to investigate and extract any information that may be useful in the future.
The White House confirmed that they received the video of Hirsch Goldberg-Polin two days prior to the report. This video was the first evidence that Hirsch, who was seriously injured during the kidnapping, was still alive. The exact date of filming the video is unknown, but Hirsch mentions events that suggest it was filmed on the eve of Passover. Hirsch lost his arm below the elbow during the abduction, which occurred when terrorists threw a grenade into a mobile shelter where he was hiding alongside others.
In the video, Hirsch introduces himself as born on March 10, 2000 in California to his parents Jonathan and Rachel, who currently reside in Jerusalem. He reports that he has been held captive for nearly 200 days and that all attempts at securing his release have failed. Hirsch echoes Hamas claims of Israeli air bombs killing nearly 70 hostages like him and demands action from the Israeli government for his release. His family has allowed Israeli television channels to air portions of the video, expressing hope for his safe return amidst the ongoing conflict and negotiations between Israel and Hamas.