Jeremiah Smith, a Chicago native, has been driving a truck around major U.S. cities and college campuses with a picture of Hersh Goldberg-Polin and other hostages abducted by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023. Hersh, the grandson of Smith’s mentor Marcy Goldberg, played a significant role in Smith’s life, growing up in the same neighborhood and forming a close bond. Despite facing opposition from pro-Palestinian protesters, including physical threats and verbal abuse, Smith remains dedicated to raising awareness about the hostages’ plight, determined to continue until every hostage is home.
Smith’s childhood in the Cabrini-Green housing project was filled with violence and challenges, but meeting Marcy Goldberg at a young age introduced him to a new way of life. The Goldberg-Polins became his surrogate family, providing him with a safe and nurturing environment. Smith’s friendship with Hersh, who moved to Israel with his family in 2008, remained strong over the years, even after the Oct. 7 abduction. Smith’s commitment to the cause is fueled by his close relationship with the Goldberg-Polin family and a desire to bring their loved ones home.
The support and guidance Smith received from Marcy Goldberg and her family had a profound impact on his life, instilling in him a sense of community and belonging. Smith’s friendship with Hersh and his dedication to the cause of freeing the hostages reflect the values he learned from his surrogate family. Despite facing hostility and threats during his awareness campaign, Smith remains steadfast in his mission, driven by a sense of justice and compassion for the hostages and their families.
Jeff Aeder, a longtime family friend of the Goldberg-Polins, played a key role in supporting Smith’s efforts to raise awareness about the hostages’ captivity. Aeder hired Smith to drive a truck with pictures of Hersh and other hostages across it, aiming to combat the hate-filled messages and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis. Aeder emphasized the importance of standing up against antisemitism and ensuring that the hostages are not forgotten. Smith’s continued dedication to the cause and commitment to driving awareness highlights the impact of personal connections and a sense of duty to those in need.
The hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, have been held captive for over 300 days, with many believed to still be in captivity in Gaza. Despite the challenges and opposition Smith faces during his awareness campaign, he remains resolute in his mission to bring attention to the hostages’ plight and advocate for their release. Smith’s personal connection to Hersh and the Goldberg-Polin family underscores the power of friendship, compassion, and a sense of justice in driving positive change, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, Jeremiah Smith’s dedication to raising awareness about the hostages abducted by Hamas is a testament to the impact of personal connections, resilience, and a sense of justice. His commitment to the cause, despite facing opposition and threats, highlights the power of friendship and compassion in driving positive change. Smith’s story underscores the importance of standing up against hate, advocating for those in need, and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Through his ongoing efforts, Smith continues to shine a light on the hostages’ plight, keeping their memory alive and fighting for their freedom.
