Parents of the murdered Hamas hostage urge student involvement at summit

Jewish Student Leaders Gather in Washington, D.C.

Jewish student leaders from across the U.S. convened in the nation’s capital for the National Leader Summit of the Campus Union, marked by poignant speeches from the parents of hostages killed by Hamas. John and Rachel Polin, who lost their 23-year-old son, Hirsch Goldberg Polin, shared their heartfelt message with over 700 attendees.

“Stand tall, be proud, engage, and truly listen,” John Polin encouraged the students. “You can disarm the opposition through active involvement and open dialogue.”

Their appeal came just days after failed ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Alongside the Pollins, Keith and Aviva Siegel, who were also keynote speakers, have experience as released hostages.

Hirsch had attended the Nova Music Festival before his tragic death was confirmed earlier this summer after months of uncertainty. “He’ll always be 23,” Rachel reflected, expressing the profound pain of their loss. “This wasn’t a choice—it felt instinctual, almost primal. I need Hirsch. I truly need him,” she stated.

Rachel pressed students to discover their “why” and recounted the words of a former hostage who had survived with Hirsch. This individual recounted how Hirsch frequently referenced Viktor Frankl, emphasizing the daily mantra: “Why are we here?”

As they addressed rising anti-Semitism, John urged students to break free from despair. “Let’s avoid wallowing in sadness. Stand up proud and strong,” he said. “We face challenges, but we have everything we need to surmount them—together, there’s simply no other way.”

Rachel, too, inspired the young leaders to focus on progress instead of seeking perfection: “Let’s know what our purpose is. When we go to sleep tonight, ask yourself—did I leave the world a little better?”