Parents Reveal How Hersh Goldberg-Polin Helped Freed Hostage Or Levy Endure Captivity

Freed Israeli hostage Or Levy drew strength from a powerful mantra shared by slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin during their captivity in Gaza, Hersh’s parents revealed at the United Israel Appeal (UIA) New South Wales Stars of David Gala in Australia on Sunday night.

John Polin, Hersh’s father, told the audience that the saying which helped both young men endure their ordeal was a “slight mistranslation of Viktor Frankl and Nietzsche: If you have the why, you’ll find the how.” The mantra became a guiding light for Or, helping him to survive the unimaginable conditions of Hamas captivity.

Hersh was tragically killed in August alongside five other hostages Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Ori Danino. The Goldberg-Polins, guests of honor at the UIA event, learned about their son's mantra from Or following his release earlier this month as part of the Israel-Hamas hostage deal.

During a poignant meeting with Hersh’s parents, Or recounted his encounters with Hersh in captivity. The two were initially taken to Gaza together with Eliya Cohen and Alon Ohel but were separated upon arrival. “The three boys went one direction, and Hersh, who had been bleeding out, was put somewhere else,” John Polin shared.

Fifty-two days into captivity, Or was brought to a tunnel where Hersh was being held. The two remained together for around two-and-a-half days, during which time Hersh shared his mantra. Or revealed that his “why” was his young son his unwavering motivation to return home and reunite with his family.

Addressing the audience, John Polin emphasized the importance of courage and purpose. “Find the why and let it be your north star and keep on going,” he said. He urged the crowd to continue fighting for the hostages and standing firmly with Israel.

Hersh’s legacy of resilience and hope now lives on through those he inspired. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, finding a purpose can provide the strength to endure.

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