A beloved member of the antiracist football community in Jerusalem, 23-year-old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, has been taken hostage by Hamas during an attack on southern Israel. On October 7, as Hamas fighters breached the fence separating Gaza from southern Israel, Hersh and his friend Aner Shapira were attending an electronic music festival in the area. Seeking shelter in a bomb shelter, the friends found themselves under attack as Hamas fighters threw grenades into the shelter. Aner bravely tried to throw the grenades out, but one exploded, killing him. Hersh, with the lower half of his left arm severed and bone exposed, managed to fashion a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding. He was last seen being taken away by Hamas fighters in a pickup truck.
Hersh’s plight has gained widespread attention after a video of him, composed despite his injuries, circulated online. His parents have confirmed his identity, and the Israeli government has officially recognized him as a hostage among the approximately 240 held captive by Hamas. In their quest for his release, Hersh’s family has made appearances in various media outlets, including speaking at the United Nations to implore world leaders to take action.
While Hersh’s family fights for his freedom on the global stage, his friends have taken to their own efforts to ensure he is not forgotten. Hersh is a passionate football fan, particularly of Hapoel Jerusalem, a politically left-leaning club that stands in contrast to the right-leaning political mainstream of the city. As a dedicated member of the club’s supporters group, Hersh embodies the values of antiracism and socialism. His friends, using the alias Dennis to navigate the politically sensitive situation in Israel, describe Hersh as an impressive and bright young individual who stands against racism.
Hapoel Jerusalem is a fierce rival of Beitar Jerusalem, a club notorious for its exclusion of Arab players and a far-right faction of fans who chant “Death to Arabs.” Hersh’s opposition to such sentiments is evident in a picture displayed in his childhood room, showcasing the outline of Jerusalem alongside the words “Jerusalem for everyone” in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. This image has become a symbol of Hersh’s captivity, with his friends transforming it into a banner spread throughout the city. Dennis emphasizes Hersh’s integral role within the football club, where he would cheer alongside a small group of dedicated supporters. Even on non-match days, Hersh would frequent the supporters’ favorite bar in central Jerusalem, known for its left-wing atmosphere.
In light of Hersh’s captivity, his friends have created graffiti murals around the city, featuring stenciled images of Hersh and the plea “Bring Hersh Home.” Dennis finds solace in the fact that Hersh appeared composed in the last video footage and mustered the strength to climb onto the truck. Should Hersh be released, Dennis is confident that their friends will be waiting in the stands of their beloved football club to welcome him back with open arms.
