This special episode of Jewish Crossroads is released ahead of Passover — the holiday of freedom. But for 59 Israeli families, true freedom still feels painfully out of reach.

Tamar speaks with Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the American-Israeli mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas. Rachel has become one of the most powerful and persistent voices in the global campaign to bring the remaining hostages home.

In this conversation, we discuss her grief, the moral clarity that sustains her, and the strength she’s found in prayer, in community, and in her son’s own words — shared in captivity to help others survive.

Rachel speaks with honesty about Hersh’s life and death, while continuing to fight for those still living in darkness. She challenges the government’s refusal to act, honors the voices of the diaspora, and asks us all: What kind of people will we be in this moment?

If you would like to be in touch with us contact: jewishcrossroadspod@gmail.com

Tamar on X: https://x.com/tamarishshalom
Tamar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarishshalom/
JPPI on X: https://x.com/JewishPolicy
JPPI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishpeoplepolicyinstitute/