A Plea for Peace and Humanity
a letter from the CEO of the Jerusalem International YMCA, on being an "oasis of peace" and a beacon of light for all in these dark times
Dear Friends of the Jerusalem International YMCA,
I write to you today with a heart weighed down by sorrow, having just returned from the funeral of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young man whose light was so cruelly extinguished. Accompanied by our board chair, Mrs. Wendy Aryeh, we joined the thousands who came to honour Hersh, a soul who was held captive in Gaza for 330 excruciating days after being kidnapped from the Re’im music festival on the 7th of October. Hersh's life was tragically taken after a ceasefire, for which so many of us had hoped, was not reached.
This loss is especially devastating for me and my family personally, as it strikes at the heart of our community and our mission. For over 12 years, my family and I have walked a shared path with Hersh’s family—an extraordinary family whose lives have intertwined with ours in the pursuit of peace and harmony in this troubled land. Our children grew up together in a diverse and resilient community, a community that began over 40 years ago within the Jerusalem International YMCA and has only grown stronger over time, bringing hope to so many.
Today, our hearts are shattered. So much life has been lost, so much pain endured, and so much anger and negativity have led only to further destruction and bloodshed. Even in the depths of their grief, Hersh’s parents spoke of how he inspired his family and friends to be better people, how his heart was open for everyone, and how he was always ready to help those in need. His friend from the Hapoel Jerusalem fan club recounted Hersh’s unwavering dedication to supporting the team since he was a young boy. Though Hersh is no longer with us, his legacy of kindness and inclusivity will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Today’s funeral was a powerful testament to the love and respect that so many held for Hersh and what he stood for. The march from his home to the cemetery was a somber yet united procession of hearts, a collective cry for peace as we laid him to rest.
In a gesture of shared mourning, we made the difficult decision to close down the preschool of the Jerusalem International YMCA today, as an expression of our deep sorrow. This pause in our daily activities was a moment to reflect on the weight of all life lost and the urgent need for peace.
In these deeply troubling times, the Jerusalem International YMCA remains steadfast in its mission, even as the world around us is shaken by violence and sorrow. Despite the devastation and the bloodshed that have touched our region, we hold on to hope and continue to illuminate a different path—one that offers the promise of peace and a brighter future for our children. Our resolve has not wavered; our commitment to fostering peace and understanding is the beacon that guides us through these darkest hours.
We also plead for the release of all hostages, on every side. No more families should have to suffer the unbearable pain of losing a loved one in such a cruel and senseless manner.
Please, help us. Help us restore humanity to our shared existence, and help us pave a way to peace, for Hersh, for all those who have been lost, and for the generations yet to come.
With deep sorrow and hope,
, Adv., CEO, Jerusalem International YMCA