Jerusalem honors hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Ori Danino with unity mural

The Jerusalem Municipality has dedicated a unity mural at Teddy Stadium to honor Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Ori Danino, two Jerusalem residents who became close friends during 328 days in Hamas captivity.

Created by artist Tomer Peretz, the mural depicts the two men together at a crowded stadium. The artwork serves as a symbol of citywide unity, as the two men represented different sides of Jerusalem: Danino was a supporter of Beitar Jerusalem from a Haredi family in Ramot, while Goldberg-Polin supported Hapoel Jerusalem and was raised in an Anglo religious family in Talpiot.

Both men were abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks and were held together in Gaza. Testimony from released hostages indicated they formed an exceptionally close bond, with Danino reportedly advocating for medical treatment for a wounded Goldberg-Polin. Both were killed by Hamas in late August 2024.