In the letter, Hersh wrote about tunnels as a metaphor for the unknown challenges people face in life, never knowing that just years later he would be held captive in a Hamas tunnel in Gaza.
By Eitan Devir, Jewish Breaking News
Rachel and Jon Goldberg-Polin, the parents of murdered American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, shared new details about their son in a recent interview with Israel’s Channel 12 investigative program Uvda, including the discovery of a letter he wrote years before his abduction that the family now views as chillingly prophetic.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin was murdered by his Hamas captors, yet he remained strong until his final day.
In a chilling letter unearthed by his mother, Hersh seemed to have foreshadowed what would take place on 10/7 and in the months that followed.
His words give us a glimpse into… pic.twitter.com/OKfkJWEGa1
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) December 13, 2025
Jon Goldberg Polin described his son as mentally resilient, saying his strength was rooted in mindset rather than physicality.
“Hersh was strong, not physically strong, but mentally strong,” he said. “He and Rachel were big fans of the show Survivor. Hersh used to think about what it takes to survive and would strategize around it.”
Rachel Goldberg Polin revealed that after Hersh was murdered in Hamas captivity, the family found a letter he had written in 2020 and left in his closet. She said she told their daughter Orly about the letter shortly afterward.
“Orly said she wanted to read it,” Rachel recalled. “She said, ‘I want to read it. He is not coming back, so it is allowed.’”
As Orly read the letter, Rachel said her daughter’s expression changed. When asked what was wrong, Orly responded, “It is a prophecy.”
In the letter, Hersh wrote about tunnels as a metaphor for the unknown challenges people face in life, never knowing that just years later he would be held captive in a Hamas tunnel in Gaza.
“Sometimes you reach a tunnel,” Hersh wrote. “You enter the unknown and do not know when you will get out. Every person has their tunnel. Who knows how many tunnels I will encounter? What is certain is that I am walking all the way to the end of a tunnel.”
Hersh’s body was later recovered at the end of a Hamas tunnel along with other hostages murdered in captivity, including Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alex Lubanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino.
The letter, written years earlier as a reflection on personal adversity, has since taken on new significance for the family in light of the circumstances of Hersh’s captivity and death.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!