(The Center Square) – Politicians from both sides of the aisle in North Carolina united to condemn the deaths of six Israeli hostages and call for the remaining hostages to be brought home.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced over the weekend that they recovered the bodies of the hostages from a tunnel in Gaza.
“Six worlds were shattered when those lives were stolen,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., in a statement. “May the memories of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Almog Sarusi, and Alex Lobanov be a blessing for all who knew them. I mourn with their friends and families.”
Hersh Goldberg-Polin was a 23-year-old Israeli-American and a native of Berkeley, California. All six had been taken during the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper spoke out about the impactful role that Goldberg-Polin’s parents have played in calling for the release of hostages, including speaking at the Democratic National Convention.
“I met Hersh’s parents and they have been courageous in ways no parents should ever have to be. I’m praying for them and the other hostage families,” Cooper posted to social media. “Bring them home now and end this war that is causing so much suffering for so many families.”
U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R- N.C., released a statement also remembering Goldberg-Polin.
“Having gotten to know Hersh’s parents, Jon and Rachel, over the last agonizing 330 days, we cannot imagine the pain and grief they are experiencing. We are praying for God to comfort them and all of Hersh’s loved ones,” he said. “This is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh’s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.”
Seven Americans remain hostage in Gaza.
Other Republicans echoed Budd’s statement, saying that the United States should continue to support Israel in its efforts to bring the hostages home.
“The U.S. must stand with Israel in its fight against terrorism. No more families should have to grieve the loss of a loved one from such brutality,” said Representative Chuck Edwards.
Lt. Gov Mark Robinson, the current Republican candidate for governor, called out the Democrats, including his opponent for the governor’s seat, Attorney General Josh Stein.
“This heinous act by Hamas is inexcusable. The Biden-Harris Administration and its allies like Josh Stein refuse to stand up to terrorists and now they have innocent blood on their hands-including that of an American. This must end,” he posted to social media. “The U.S. government must stand firmly with Israel and hold those responsible accountable and work tirelessly to bring every hostage, including Americans still being held in captivity home.”
Stein released a brief statement, saying “I am heartbroken for the families of these murdered hostages.”
While some are blaming the Israeli government for not being more open to a ceasefire, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said the blame lies only with Hamas.
“During ceasefire negotiations, Hamas savagely executed 6 hostages in cold blood, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin,” he posted to social media. “Hamas doesn’t want lasting peace. They’re despicable terrorists who murder innocent people, including Palestinians. Hamas cannot be a part of Gaza’s future.”
Multiple news outlets cite a report from Israel that it believes 101 hostages remain in Palestinian custody, with 35 of those reportedly already dead.