WASHINGTON – Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris and the first Jewish person married to a nationally elected U.S. leader, delivered a moving speech on Tuesday following the tragic execution of American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other Israeli hostages by Hamas.

Addressing a vigil for the hostages at his synagogue in Washington, Emhoff expressed deep sorrow saying, “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Hersh and his parents, or about the five others and their families. This is hard. I feel raw. I’m gutted.”

Emhoff, who could become the nation’s “first gentleman” if Harris is elected president in November, has become a leading figure in the administration for his outreach to the Jewish community and his efforts to combat antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel.

At the event organized by local and national Jewish groups, Emhoff emphasized the shared grief and solidarity felt by many. He noted that his personal experience, along with Harris’, has only strengthened their commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis and bringing the hostages home.

Emhoff recounted a conversation he and Harris had with Goldberg-Polin’s parents, who despite their own loss, continued to advocate for the release of other hostages. He praised their resilience and determination in the face of tragedy.

Highlighting the urgent need for a cease-fire deal and the safe return of all hostages, Emhoff assured that Harris and President Joe Biden are working tirelessly towards this goal. He stressed the importance of continuing to raise awareness and tell the stories of the hostages to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.