When We See You Again: A Mother’s Journey Through the Unthinkable

In a deeply personal announcement, Rachel Goldberg-Polin has shared that her memoir, When We See You Again, will be released on April 21, 2026. The book serves as a testament to her 330-day struggle to bring her son home and her life in the aftermath of his death.

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From Advocacy to Authorship

Rachel became the face of a global movement after her son, Hersh, was kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023. Her memoir details the transition from a private mother to a global advocate, capturing the specific, painful milestones of that period:

• The Tape: Her practice of wearing a piece of masking tape on her chest, updated daily with the number of days Hersh had been in captivity.
• The Global Stage: Her experiences speaking at the United Nations, the Democratic National Convention, and meeting with the Pope and the President.
• The Agony of Hope: The grueling emotional cycle of receiving brief signs of life (such as the video released of Hersh in April 2024) followed by months of silence.

A Story of “Fracturedness”

The book does not shy away from the tragic end of Hersh’s story. In September 2024, his body was discovered in a tunnel in Rafah alongside five other hostages. Rachel describes the memoir as a reflection on:

• Persistent Love: How a parent maintains hope under impossible circumstances.
• Grief and Resilience: Finding the strength to “walk on shattered feet” when the outcome is not what was prayed for.
• Legacy: Honoring the memory of a son known for his kindness and love of geography and music.

“I wrote this because I had to… it is a story of loss, suffering, love, mourning, and fracturedness.” — Rachel Goldberg-Polin

Quick Look: Memoir Overview

• Expected Release: April 21, 2026
• Author Tone: Raw, unflinching, and profoundly human.
• Core Message: A meditation on maternal love and the universal experience of loss.