Return Them Now: Unpredictability Is The New Path Forward

After the 10/7 massacre in Israel , I found myself grappling with the #bringthemhomenow refrain. It seemed to place the burden on Israel rather than the Hamas terrorists, who should be forced to “Release Them Now.” But, after hearing Jon Polin’s eulogy for his murdered 23-year-old son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen, I understood that “Return Them Now” is more fitting. Mr. Polin’s heart-wrenching tribute to his “little buddy” emphasized the urgency of bringing the hostages home after nearly a year in captivity.

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: The Grief of Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg

I can’t imagine anything more harrowing than burying your child. Watching Hersh’s funeral and listening to the agonizing eulogies by his parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, made this heartache all too real. Their grief reminded me of parents like Judea and the late Ruth Pearl , whose son Danny was senselessly executed in Pakistan by extremists for being “a Jew ”, and to Golda Meir’s poignant words in her autobiography, A Land of Our Own :

"When peace comes, we may eventually find it within ourselves to forgive the Arabs for the loss of our sons. Yet, it will remain a formidable challenge to forgive them for compelling us to take the lives of their sons. True peace will only prevail when the Arabs hold the lives of their children dearer than their hatred towards us."

"May His Memory Be a Revolution"

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg’s determination that Hersh’s memory becomes a catalyst for change (“May his memory be a revolution”) echoes some of the most improbable moments in history when peace seemed out of reach: Sadat and Begin with the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty, Nixon and Brezhnev with the SALT treaties, and the Abraham Accords.

These moments remind us that even in the darkest times, improbable events can lead to historic transformations. Even in moments of deep division, bold leadership and unpredictable actions can lead to peace and new beginnings and narratives.

Netanyahu's Shift: A New Resolve

Yet today, on the anniversary of the 10/7 massacre, it has become abundantly clear that the predictable playbooks of the past are no longer working. Even those who once believed in them now realize this—especially Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Known for his predictability, Netanyahu has finally said, “ENOUGH!” Inspired, perhaps, by Jon Polin’s words, he has shown a new fire and unpredictability, putting his resolve on full display. He’s determined to fight for every person murdered in the massacre, every hostage, and every part of the Jewish community and the free world, recognizing that the time has come to pivot dramatically, defy global expectations, and win—before it is too late.

Since the assassinations of Hersh and five other hostages on August 31, 2024, Israel’s response under Netanyahu has shifted the balance of the war and may ultimately reset the international playing field, turning the world back to right side up.

Echoing this seismic shift, The Wall Street Journal 's Gerard Baker wrote in his article Israel Defends Itself—and May Save Western Civilization :

"How will we ever repay the debt we owe Israel?"

"What the Jewish state has done in the past year—for its own defense, but in the process and not coincidentally for the security of all of us—will rank among the most important contributions to the defense of Western civilization in the past?three-quarters of a century."

Israel has not only reshaped its own defense strategy and mindset but has redrawn the global balance of security, not just in the Middle East but in the wider world.

Conclusion

On the Jewish holiday of Passover, the youngest child asks, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, some may question the relevance of this ancient question. But there is a parallel.

By answering the Passover question, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” with the hope that “Because on this night the hostages were returned, creating a safer world,” Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg may find some solace in knowing that Hersh did not die in vain. His memory truly could be a revolution.

And to Gerard Baker’s question, the debt will be repaid by ensuring that “NEVER AGAIN” never happens again.

May Hersh’s memory be a blessing—and a revolution—for us all.

As Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, marking the Jewish New Year of 5785, may I personally express gratitude for allowing us another year of life, freedom, and hope that better days are ahead.