Jeremiah Smith, a 28-year-old Chicago native, has been on a mission for the past five months. Driving a truck around major U.S. cities and college campuses, he carries a picture of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 24-year-old American-Israeli abducted in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, by Hamas terrorists. This week, Smith finds himself in the Windy City, circling through Chicago during the Democratic National Convention.
For Smith, this mission is deeply personal. Goldberg-Polin was like a “little brother” to him, a connection that runs deep. In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, Goldberg-Polin’s grandmother, Marcy Goldberg, rescued Smith from the difficult circumstances of his childhood. She introduced him to a new way of life that shaped his future and his sense of purpose.
Smith’s journey in the truck took him through various cities like New York City, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and parts of New Jersey. Along the way, he faced challenges from pro-Palestinian protesters who kicked his truck, threw water, and even tried to open the door while he was driving. Despite the hostility, Smith remains undeterred in his mission to raise awareness about the hostages’ plight.
The encounters with protesters have been intense, with verbal abuse and provocations aimed at Smith. He recounts instances where he felt threatened, yet he continues to drive the truck, determined to keep the spotlight on the hostages held by Hamas. Smith’s unwavering dedication to the cause speaks volumes about his commitment to bringing the hostages home.
Smith’s resolve is unwavering, fueled by his personal connection to the hostages and his upbringing in Chicago. Growing up in the Cabrini-Green housing project, Smith witnessed violence and crime but found solace in playing baseball with friends and meeting Marcy Goldberg. She became a guiding light in his life, inviting him into her family and introducing him to a world of kindness and generosity.
The Goldberg-Polin family became Smith’s surrogate family, fostering a sense of belonging and safety that he had never experienced before. Their charitable nature extended to Smith and his family, offering them support and care during challenging times. Smith’s bond with Hersh Goldberg-Polin grew strong over the years, marked by shared experiences and cherished memories.
Hersh’s move to Israel in 2008 signaled a new chapter in their friendship, with Smith traveling overseas to attend Hersh’s bar mitzvah and strengthen their connection. Despite the distance, Smith stayed in close contact with the Goldberg-Polin family, sharing in their joys and sorrows over the years. When news of the abduction broke on Oct. 7, Smith’s world turned upside down, with fear and uncertainty gripping his heart.
In the face of adversity, Smith found strength in the words of Marcy Goldberg, who assured him that Hersh would find his way home. This unwavering belief in his friend’s resilience and spirit became a guiding light for Smith, fueling his determination to fight for the hostages’ freedom. With each passing day, Smith drives the truck, carrying the hostages’ pictures and stories, a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty.
Joined by supporters like Jeff Aeder, a family friend of the Goldberg-Polins, Smith’s mission takes on a new dimension. Aeder’s idea to use the truck as a platform to combat hate and raise awareness about the hostages’ plight resonates with Smith’s core beliefs. Together, they stand united against antisemitism, sending a powerful message of unity and resistance.
As Smith continues to drive the truck with pictures of the hostages, his resolve remains unyielding. He declares that he will not stop until every hostage is home, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause. In a world that often feels divided and chaotic, Smith’s journey shines as a beacon of hope and resilience, a reminder that in the face of adversity, kindness and compassion can triumph.
