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Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s memoir about her son's murder tops NYT bestseller list

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Rachel Goldberg-Polin's memoir, "When We See You Again," about her son Hersh's murder by Hamas, has topped the New York Times bestseller list just a week after its release.
  • Hersh Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and held captive in Gaza for 330 days before being executed by Hamas.
  • Goldberg-Polin, who became an activist for hostage release, found solace in writing her memoir after her son's death, describing her grief as a "badge of love."

Rachel Goldberg-Polin's powerful memoir, "When We See You Again," has achieved a remarkable feat, debuting at the top of The New York Times bestseller list. This poignant account of her son Hersh's brutal murder by Hamas terrorists strikes a deep chord, resonating with readers worldwide. The book's immediate success is a testament to the profound impact of her story and her journey from a grieving mother to a global advocate.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin's abduction from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and his subsequent 330 days of captivity in Gaza, followed by his execution, represent an unimaginable tragedy. Rachel Goldberg-Polin's transformation into an activist, meeting with world leaders and speaking at international forums, showcased her unwavering determination to bring attention to the plight of the hostages. Her activism, marked by the simple yet profound act of wearing a taped number of days Hersh was held captive, inspired many.

And after all of that torture, misery, agony, burning, searing, battering, and torment, I now found out: that had been the good part. He had been alive.

— Rachel Goldberg-PolinContext: Quoted from her memoir, reflecting on the news of her son's death after his captivity.

Her memoir, "When We See You Again," delves into the "before" – the time when Hersh was alive – and the devastating aftermath of his death. Goldberg-Polin's reflection on her grief, calling it a "badge of love," offers a glimpse into her resilience and enduring connection to her son. The book's bestseller status, alongside its strong performance on Amazon, highlights the widespread interest in her story and the ongoing impact of the October 7th attacks on Israeli society and the global consciousness. This is not just a personal tragedy; it's a narrative that has captured the attention of millions, underscoring the deep human need to process loss and seek understanding in the face of horrific violence.

The grief is a badge of love

— Rachel Goldberg-PolinContext: A paraphrased quote from her book, shared in an interview, describing her feelings after her son's death.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.