The mother of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, killed by Hamas in 2014, has called on President Trump and Saudi leaders to ensure that no ceasefire or regional deal proceeds without the return of her son’s remains and all hostages. Over 4,000 days have passed since the incident, and Goldin states that her son’s remains have not been returned, deepening her emotional plea for action.
Goldin credits the Trump administration for taking the issue seriously, noting that Trump’s advisors led the way in passing U.N. Security Council Resolution 2474 in 2019, which obligates all parties to an armed conflict to return the remains of the dead as a humanitarian act. She argues that the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia should use their leverage to secure the return of hostages as a condition for any agreement, citing international law and a moral imperative.
Goldin asserts that the Israeli government has repeatedly sidelined her son for political convenience, expressing distrust in the country’s leadership. She criticizes the ongoing hostage negotiations as a ‘nightmare of selection,’ where some are prioritized and others left behind. She further highlights her role in supporting the families of current hostages, having organized the Hostage and Missing Families Forum after the Hamas October 31 massacre.
Goldin says she will not stop until Hadar — and all the hostages — come home. She emphasizes that Hadar is not just her son but a symbol, calling on the world to remember his name in every ceasefire, agreement, or ‘business as usual’ moment. She urges leaders to recognize the importance of the issue and to act swiftly to bring all the hostages home, emphasizing that the real victory over Iran is to bring everyone home immediately and unconditionally.