Washington, D.C. – Penny Nance, president of Concerned Women for America (CWA), the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization, issued the following statement in response to the death of American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The 23-year-old California native was found dead in Gaza. He was captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

Statement from Penny Nance:

“My heart breaks for the family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, as they mourn the death of their only son.

“Hersh was captured by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 – almost one year ago. His parents and others have worked tirelessly for months, pleading with national leaders to negotiate an exit for their son and the dozens of other hostages who have been held hostage by brutal terrorists. This is not how his story was supposed to end.

“I stand with the Goldberg-Polin family in sadness. But I also stand here angry and disappointed – as a mother, and as an American. His death represents the failure of our highest elected officials to do right by Hersh, and to do right by Omer Neutra and the other Americans who remain in captivity. I implore our nation’s leaders to bring home the hostages who are still alive.

“Let every American take note: When Hersh was being killed, President Joe Biden was on vacation. Vice President Kamala Harris was on the campaign trail, working to secure her own political future. Her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, ignored a question by reporters about Hersh’s death. This is not leadership.

“Please join me in praying for the Goldberg-Polin family as they grieve their son Hersh. Join me in praying for the family of Omer Neutra, who awaits his rescue, and in praying for the families of the other hostages who eagerly await the end of this terrible chapter in our history and in their lives.”

For more information or to schedule an interview with Penny Nance, contact comms@cwfa.org.