On Monday, crowds gathered in the streets of Jerusalem to say their final goodbyes to Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American whose remains were among six recovered by the Israeli military from a tunnel in southern Gaza.

Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped during the Nova festival, an outdoor dance event in southern Israel, when Hamas launched an attack amid the dawn festivities on October 7, resulting in the abduction of 40 people.

His body was recently found by Israeli forces, marking his death approximately 48 to 72 hours prior, as stated by the health ministry.

President Isaac Herzog expressed his sorrow over Goldberg-Polin’s death, apologizing on behalf of the state of Israel for failing to protect him during the tragic events of October 7.

“Understand this: We are witnesses to this tragedy, and we will never forget,” Herzog stated. “Your family has sought every possible avenue for your rescue and well-being.”

During the service, Hersh’s parents gave heartfelt eulogies. His father, Jon Polin, wore a navy blue shirt, while his mother and siblings donned white shirts, all marked with the number 332, signifying the days Hersh had been held captive. He shared memories of his son, highlighting how Hersh used his intelligence to strengthen friendships.

“Hersh engaged us on various topics over the years, from animal ethics and the viability of nation-states to Israeli settlement policies and the value of education. He always sought to understand others with dignity and respect,” Polin reflected.

One of Jon Polin’s most memorable statements during the service was, “May his memory inspire change.”

“Hersh, we have let you down. We all have. You wouldn’t have let us down. You would have fought even harder for justice, sought understanding among differing views, and pushed others to reconsider their beliefs. You would have wanted to ensure that your death, along with those of innocent civilians and soldiers, serves a greater purpose,” Polin said.

“Perhaps, just perhaps, your passing will become the catalyst that helps bring home the remaining 101 hostages,” he concluded.

Hersh’s mother, Rachel Goldberg, also shared her memories, saying, “Hersh was flawless, but he was the ideal son for me.”

“We truly believed you would return home to us alive, but that wasn’t meant to be. Now, I no longer have to fear for your safety. You are honored and at peace,” she expressed.

She remarked that her hope of securing a deal to free her son and others was “so genuine, it resonated deeply.”

“While it was almost a reality, it ultimately wasn’t meant to be. These six remarkable individuals stuck together through thick and thin in life and death, and their memories will forever be intertwined,” she remarked.

The Israeli military has confirmed the other five hostages as Carmel Gat, 40, Eden Yerushalmi, 24, Alexander Lobanov, 32, Almog Sarusi, 27, and Master Sgt. Ori Danino, 25.

“Alright, dear child, embark on your journey now. I hope it’s filled with wonderful experiences, just like the adventures you envisioned, because at last, my dear, you are free,” she expressed.

During a press briefing on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought forgiveness for not being able to return the hostages alive, asserting that Hamas would face severe consequences.

“I conveyed to the families, and I reiterate tonight: I am sorry for our inability to bring them back safely,” Netanyahu stated, according to CNN. “We were on the brink of success, but ultimately it eluded us.”

On October 7, Hamas militants kidnapped 253 hostages amid a rampage through Israeli neighborhoods that claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and foreigners. This led to an ongoing Israeli military campaign that has resulted in the deaths of over 40,600 Palestinians in Gaza.

Just last month, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin addressed attendees at the Democratic National Convention. Jon emphasized that the urgency to have his son and all hostages returned is not a matter of politics, but a “humanitarian issue.”

“There is an overwhelming amount of suffering on every side of this heartbreaking conflict in the Middle East,” he remarked. “When it comes to pain, there are no winners.”

Contributors: Kim Hjelmgaard, Susan Miller, John Bacon, and Reuters