Extended Interview: Rachel Goldberg-Polin on Grief After the Death of Her Son, Hersh
In a deeply moving segment featured on “60 Minutes,” Anderson Cooper sits down with Rachel Goldberg-Polin, an American Israeli mother grappling with unimaginable loss. Following the heart-wrenching kidnapping and execution of her son, Hersh, by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Rachel opens up about her journey through grief and the profound impact of tragedy on her life and family.
This extended interview offers viewers a more intimate look into Rachel’s heartache, resilience, and the complex emotions that accompany bereavement. She shares her memories of Hersh and reflects on the broader implications of violence and loss in today’s world, making her testimony not just a personal account but a poignant commentary on the human condition.
Originally broadcast on April 19, 2026, this extended version of the interview has been thoughtfully condensed for clarity. It serves as a reminder of the stories behind the statistics and the enduring spirit of those left behind.
“60 Minutes” has been delivering hard-hitting news and compelling stories since 1968, remaining a staple in American journalism for over 50 seasons. For more insights and powerful narratives like Rachel’s, subscribe to the “60 Minutes” YouTube channel and explore additional content on their website.
Join us in witnessing Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s incredible strength as she navigates the unfathomable, providing a voice to those who share in this heart-wrenching experience.
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Video “Extended interview: Rachel Goldberg-Polin on grief after the death of her son, Hersh” was uploaded on 04/20/2026 to Youtube Channel 60 Minutes



































No words. She’s a warrior. May God bless her and keep her and Hersh’s memory alive.
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Really powerful witness. I pray that This mother and every single mother who lost a loved one in this genocide heals and finds each other somehow.
It's a story about a nobel family and beautiful souls. We will remember Hersh forever 💙
Heartbroken 💔😢
Her strength…my goodness. 😢😢😢
I saw this , what an amazing woman . I felt so sorry, but she made it through with such grace and strength. May god be with Herschel
In Man's Search for Meaning, the author (a philosopher who survived the Shoah) said his love for his family and his hope to see his wife again kept him alive.
Rachel may not know, but she might've been Hersh's motivation during all this time.
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So elegant and eloquent in the face of the worst evil and heartbreak.
What a beautiful and strong mother. The pain of losing a child is the worst pain you can get, yet she chose not to lose her sanity, as if he demanded it from her.
I love how the German football team Werder Bremen FC has been memorizing him at every match, just because he was a fan. Humans can grief in different ways, but also celebrate someone who passed in the most heartwarming ways possible. Imagine the parents seeing an entire German stadium shout his name, just because he liked them before he was murdered by monsters who decided to execute him and the other souls in that tunnel on that horrible day. I love you!
Thank you for this heartbreaking but extremely important interview
This woman's a treasure
Ive broken blood vessels on my lids. Ty 60 minutes for this.
Blessings to Rachel and Hersh and to all who loved him ~
Words fail me. 🫂😭♥️💔
I'm sorry for your loss, Rachel! Stay strong.
How does she hold herself with such grace, as a mom, I am sobbing for her.
Anderson Cooper G-d bless you thank you for your work❤ thank you for trying to show the world what our innocent people had to endure on October 7 what their relatives have to go through every day. Thanks a lot again
Such an amazing brave wonderful mother ❤
How can I SHARE this interview? There is no share button.
Anderson is a great interviewer suffered many losses in his life. I pray she finds peace and that her son will be in her dreams soon. Such tragic loss and great strength of a mother’s love.
You are such an inspiring, graceful and kind woman. I wish that someday you will be able to live with the grieve, and still get back to the routine you used to have, sending my prayers to you, Jon and the rest of your family
I don’t think I have ever been doused with such sorrow, sadness, hope, and inspiration as I was listening to Rachel share this story. Hope from a story that was supposed to be about hate. Thank you 🙏
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