A Mother Reflects on Three Years Since Her Son Was Abducted on Oct. 7
Rachel recounts the ongoing grief of losing her 23-year-old son Hersh, who was taken hostage on Oct. 7 and executed after 328 days of captivity.
Rachel writes that her son Hersh, aged 23, was abducted during a peace-themed music festival on Oct. 7 and held for 328 harrowing days before being executed alongside five others in a Gaza tunnel. She details the physical injuries he suffered, including a missing forearm and multiple bullet wounds, and the emotional toll on her family. Drawing parallels to the collective trauma of 9/11, she explains that the question of whether she is “getting better” is met with a firm “no,” highlighting the persistence of grief and the problem of toxic positivity.
Rachel also notes that the hostages came from 39 nations and varied faiths, underscoring the global scope of the tragedy. She concludes with a plea for compassion and an affirmation that love for Hersh endures despite his death.
Why it matters
The piece illustrates the deep, lasting impact of the Oct. 7 hostage crisis on families and the challenges of public expectations of healing.
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