Emhoff expresses grief over Hamas execution of hostages in Gaza

Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, expressed profound grief over the execution of American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five Israeli hostages by Hamas. Speaking at a vigil at Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, he shared his emotional turmoil, stating he felt 'gutted' and unable to stop thinking about the victims and their families. Emhoff emphasized the personal impact of Hersh's loss on both him and Harris, highlighting their shared sorrow and commitment to the hostages' families. During the vigil, Emhoff recounted a conversation with Goldberg-Polin's parents, who, despite their grief, were focused on advocating for the release of other hostages. This resilience in the face of tragedy underscored the strength of the families affected by the ongoing crisis. Emhoff praised the parents for their determination to continue fighting for others, stating, 'They are not giving up, and neither can we.' He also noted that both Harris and President Biden are actively working to secure a hostage and cease-fire deal, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The vigil was attended by around 1,200 people, reflecting the community's solidarity and shared grief over the recent violence. Emhoff's remarks highlighted the importance of storytelling in the Jewish community, particularly regarding the plight of hostages. He urged that the stories of those affected must be told repeatedly to ensure that such tragedies are never forgotten, reinforcing the community's commitment to advocacy and remembrance.