Chicago Trucker to Make Powerful Statement on Israeli Hostages at DNC

As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) takes place in Chicago this week, one man is determined to ensure that the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas remains at the forefront of discussions. Jeremiah Smith, a 28-year-old trucker from Chicago, is taking a courageous stand by driving his truck—plastered with pictures of the 115 Israeli hostages—around the city, focusing on areas where DNC delegates are staying.

Smith, who has a deeply personal connection to the crisis, shared his resolve with the New York Post, saying he is "not afraid of the hate" he might face from anti-Israel protesters. These demonstrators are expected to urge the Democratic party to cut military support for Israel and push for its withdrawal from Gaza. However, Smith remains undeterred, driven by a mission to raise awareness for those abducted during the October 7 massacre.

Smith's dedication to this cause stems from his close relationship with one of the hostages, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Smith, who considers himself an older brother to Goldberg-Polin, has been connected to the family since he was a child. His bond with Goldberg-Polin’s grandmother, Marcy Goldberg, who began tutoring him when he was six, ultimately led to his moving in with her at age eleven. The Jewish community's warm embrace, Smith says, changed his life.

Smith’s friendship with Goldberg-Polin deepened over the years, with Smith visiting him in Israel several times. The news of Goldberg-Polin’s abduction from the Nova festival by Hamas devastated Smith, who immediately sought to comfort Marcy Goldberg. When a propaganda video of Hersh surfaced in April, Smith felt a mix of relief and sorrow, expressing, “Some days it’s hard to have hope.”

The idea to use his truck as a mobile reminder of the hostages came to Smith about five months ago. Since then, he has dedicated himself to driving around Chicago for twelve hours a day, six days a week, displaying images of Goldberg-Polin and others who have been taken. For the four-day DNC, Smith has meticulously planned his route to pass by the convention center and the delegates' hotels, viewing it as a “huge opportunity” to raise awareness on a national stage.

Smith’s mission is not just about visibility. He actively engages with people, hoping to spark conversations and make a tangible difference. “I want people to see the truck, to talk to me, to ask me why I support the hostages. I want peace, of course, [but] I want the hostages home,” he said.

Throughout his five-month campaign, Smith has encountered hostility from those who accuse him of supporting violence in Gaza. In response, he has taken the time to educate himself about Israel and the ongoing conflict to counter such arguments with facts. “I try to tell them, ‘If you were at that festival, they’d try to kill you too,’” he explained, emphasizing that the threat posed by Hamas transcends religious boundaries.

Despite the challenges, Smith remains steadfast in his commitment. He expressed his determination to make Goldberg-Polin proud, stating, “I’m not standing down,” and declaring his readiness to face any opposition. While he hopes that protests at the DNC will be peaceful, Smith is prepared to "handle the hate" if necessary.

Jeremiah Smith’s journey is a powerful example of courage and solidarity in the face of adversity. His unwavering dedication to raising awareness for Israeli hostages during the DNC serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by those affected by terrorism.

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