Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Nicole La Ha Zwiercan addressed the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin in a Facebook post on September 4. "Just one month ago, the parents of Hersh Goldberg Polin, an American citizen, spoke from a podium in Chicago pleading for the release of their son," she said.

"As a person of faith and as a candidate for public office, I feel compelled to speak out against this horrific act and ask others to join me," said La Ha, according to Facebook. "Just one month ago, the parents of Hersh Goldberg Polin, an American citizen, spoke from a podium in Chicago pleading for the release of their son who was being held hostage by Hamas. Their plea was met with chants of “bring them home. This week we learned the devastating and unconscionable news that he was brutally murdered days before his rescue."

She shared a link to a CBS News article identifying Goldberg-Polin as one of six Israeli hostages whose bodies were discovered earlier this month, two to three days after they were killed. The article quoted Lonnie Nasatir, president of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, who spoke about the possibility of the hostages’ deaths but also expressed hope that it would not happen.

Screenshot of State Representative Nicole La Ha Zwiercan's Sept. 4 Facebook post | State Representative Nicole La Ha Zwiercan's Facebook page.

"The prospect of what happened in the last 48 hours is always front and center in our minds. The harsh reality that his life was taken cruelly last night hits us as a community even more powerfully than maybe the others. The others are equally important, but this one with the Chicago connection hits really hard and hits our heart," said Nasatir.

According to La Ha Zwiercan’s statement on Facebook, "My heart literally broke, from mother to mother, as I watched her say 'you are finally free.' I am praying for his family and the hostages we have yet to bring home."

Goldberg-Polin was laid to rest on September 2 in Jerusalem, with tens of thousands attending his funeral, according to an NBC5 Chicago report from that day. The report also stated that Goldberg-Polin was among those scheduled for release as part of the first phase of ceasefire negotiations that began in July.

La Ha Zwiercan has been appointed to fill the vacancy in the 82nd State House District following John Egofske's resignation. Her previous roles include serving as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods). With an extensive background in public advocacy, La Ha Zwiercan has actively participated in charitable committees and was awarded the 2018 International Humanitarian Award for exceptional community service. Her campaign website highlights her strong commitment to community service, including her election to the Village of Homer Glen Board of Trustees in 2021 where she opposed tax increases and significantly improved life quality for residents with disabilities.