Ernst Mourns Murder of American Hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin by Iran-Backed Hamas
WASHINGTON - In response to the tragic news that Iran-backed Hamas had brutally killed American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released the following statement.
"Hersh Goldberg-Polin should still be alive today," Ernst said. "My heart aches for Jon and Rachel — who have been tireless advocates for the release of their son and all the American hostages. The grief and pain they bear is unimaginable. As a mom, and simply as an American, I mourn with them.
“Hersh’s brutal murder by Iran-backed Hamas cannot be ignored. This is a barbaric regime that has been emboldened to celebrate the death of Americans when they should be cowering in fear of the response awaiting them for spilling American blood.
“Since October 7, 2023, I have made it my mission to ensure our fellow citizens taken captive and still being held hostage are not forgotten. This week, as I’ve met with top Israeli and Arab leaders, and our hostage families, my mission has only been renewed.
“We need to stand stronger than ever with our Israeli friends and bring our hostages home. This moment demands American leadership—every second counts for our countrymen,” Ernst concluded.
Background:
Ernst has been a fierce advocate for freeing the hostages and kept up the drumbeat to bring them home.
On October 7, she was in the Middle East and went to Israel just days after Iran-backed Hamas’ attacks to show her support for our ally. In the wake of the horrific terrorist assault, Ernst met with the hostage families in Israel and has remained in close contact with them.
A few weeks later, Senator Ernst demanded President Biden do everything in his power to rescue the American hostages and bring them home safely.
In January, she returned to the Middle East and advocated for the release of the hostages in meetings with senior leadership and lead negotiators in Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Senator Ernst hosted Hagit and Ruby Chen, the parents of American hostage Itay Chen, as her guests for the State of the Union on March 6, 2024, and committed to sharing their story until all American citizens are returned home.
In July 2024, Ernst led a bipartisan group of senators in telling the stories of the American hostages on the U.S. Senate floor and calling for an end to the uncertainty their families have endured since October 7th.
Last week, Ernst led a Congressional delegation into Israel that met with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm support for our ally in the Middle East and reiterate the importance of bringing the hostages home.
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