Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the author of the memoir “Counting the Days: The Untold Story of Hope, Love, and Survival in Iran”, has recently shared a touching and emotional moment she had with President Joe Biden in her book. In the memoir, she recounts a phone call with the President, in which he wept with her and other families of hostages held in Iran.
This heart-wrenching moment took place in 2015, when Rachel’s husband, Robert A. “Bob” Levinson, was still being held captive in Iran. Bob, a retired FBI agent, was taken captive by Iranian authorities in 2007 while on a business trip. For years, Rachel had been fighting tirelessly to bring her husband back home, and it was during this time that she received a call from the then Vice President, Joe Biden.
In her memoir, Rachel describes how she was initially hesitant to take the call, as she was afraid it might be another politician offering empty promises. However, she decided to answer, and to her surprise, she was greeted by a genuinely concerned and compassionate Biden. He expressed his sympathy for her and the other families who were also going through the same ordeal.
During the call, Rachel could feel the President’s genuine emotions as he spoke about how he understood the pain and uncertainty that they were all going through. She recalls how Biden’s voice broke as he spoke about his own personal tragedies, including the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer. In that moment, Rachel realized that she was not just speaking with a politician, but with a man who had also experienced immense struggles and heartache.
As they spoke, Rachel could feel her own emotions rising, and she couldn’t hold back her tears. In her book, she writes, “As I cried, the vice president cried with me. I will never forget that moment. Here was a man who was willing to take the time to listen to me, to hear my pain and share in it. It was a powerful reminder that we were not alone in this fight.”
The call with President Biden was a turning point for Rachel and the other families of hostages. She describes how his empathy and understanding gave them the strength and hope to continue their fight for their loved ones. His words and actions showed that he truly cared about their situation and was willing to do whatever he could to help.
In addition to the emotional support, Biden also assured Rachel and the other families that he would do everything in his power to bring their loved ones back home. He promised to make their case a top priority in his negotiations with Iran. Although Bob is still being held captive, Rachel believes that without the support and encouragement from Biden, the families would not have come as far as they have in their fight for justice.
The memoir, “Counting the Days”, not only shares Rachel’s personal experience but also sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by families of hostages. It is a powerful and emotional account of love, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Today, President Biden has fulfilled his promise and has continued to prioritize the release of American hostages. In his first month in office, he successfully negotiated the release of four American detainees from Iran. This shows his unwavering commitment to bringing back Americans held unjustly in foreign countries.
Rachel’s memoir is a testament to the kindness and empathy of President Biden, and it serves as a reminder of the power of compassion in times of distress. It is a beautiful example of how a small act of kindness and understanding can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
In conclusion, Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s memoir, “Counting the Days”, not only recounts her personal struggles but also highlights the humanity and compassion of President Biden. His tears and heartfelt words during the phone call with Rachel and the other families of hostages show that he is not just a politician, but a leader who truly cares about the well-being of his people. It is a story that will inspire and motivate readers, reminding them of the importance of empathy and kindness in making a positive impact in the world.
