In a poignant address at a political convention, John and Rachel, parents of 23-year-old Hirsch, shared their harrowing experience of having their son taken hostage by Hamas during a music festival in Israel on October 7. The couple, who have been living in anguish since Hirsch was abducted, emphasized the humanitarian nature of their plight, urging for bipartisan support to secure the release of hostages.

Hirsch, a U.S. citizen, was attending the Nova music festival, which was tragically marred by violence as Hamas launched attacks, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, including 45 Americans. Rachel recounted the chaos of the festival, where Hirsch and his friends sought refuge in a bomb shelter, only to face a barrage of grenades. In a heroic act, his friend Honair attempted to protect them but was killed, while Hirsch suffered severe injuries, losing his left forearm before being taken into Gaza.

The couple highlighted that 109 hostages from various backgrounds—Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists—are currently held captive, with eight being American citizens. They expressed gratitude for the support from both Democratic and Republican leaders, including President Biden and Vice President Harris, who are actively working towards a hostage and ceasefire deal.

Rachel's emotional appeal underscored the universal pain experienced by families affected by the conflict, stating, \"In a competition of pain, there are no winners.\" She called for immediate action to bring the hostages home and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to this tragic situation.