History of Rachel Goldberg-Polin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2026

Rachel Goldberg-Polin is an American-Israeli activist who gained prominence during the 2023 hostage crisis. Following the October 7 attacks, she and her husband became leading voices advocating for the release of Israeli hostages. They engaged with global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Pope Francis, to raise awareness and push for the hostages' freedom. Goldberg-Polin's efforts have made her a key figure in the international campaign to secure the release of those held captive.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

1969: Rachel Goldberg-Polin's Birth

In 1969, Rachel Goldberg-Polin was born.

1992: Graduation from Brandeis University

In 1992, Rachel Goldberg graduated from Brandeis University.

2008: Moved to Jerusalem

Since 2008, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, her husband, Jonathan, and their three children have lived in Jerusalem.

October 7, 2023: Son's Abduction and Activism

On October 7, 2023, Rachel Goldberg-Polin's son, Hersh, was kidnapped during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel and abducted to the Gaza Strip. Following her son's abduction, she quit her job to focus full-time on working towards freeing the hostages, She spoke to both political authorities and media organizations, including the BBC, CBS, NBC, and The Wall Street Journal, and began drawing attention to the hostage crisis.

November 14, 2023: Attended March for Israel rally

On November 14, 2023, Rachel Goldberg-Polin attended the March for Israel rally in Washington, D.C., where she spoke about the plight of the 240 hostages.

December 2023: Speech at the United Nations

In December 2023, Rachel Goldberg-Polin gave a seven-minute speech at the United Nations in Geneva, advocating for the hostages.

2023: Hostage Crisis and Advocacy

In 2023, following the October 7 attacks, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and her husband became prominent advocates for the release of Israeli hostages, meeting with world leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden and Pope Francis.

February 2024: Met with the Pope

In February 2024, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and 11 other hostage families met with the Pope.

April 2024: Named one of the Time 100

In April 2024, Rachel Goldberg-Polin was named as one of the Time 100.

April 2024: Met with Vice President Kamala Harris

In early April 2024, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, her husband, and other family members of hostages met with United States Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan, to urge action on a hostage deal.

August 2024: Spoke at the Democratic National Convention

In August 2024, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and her husband spoke at the Democratic National Convention, again to urge action on a hostage deal. She received a standing ovation during her speech, during which the audience chanted "bring him home".