Rachel Goldberg-Polin & Jon Polin

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin became global advocates for hostage freedom after their son, Hersh, was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, following severe injury. For nearly a year, they traveled the world meeting with leaders, speaking publicly, and urging action for Hersh and all hostages. On day 330, the IDF confirmed Hersh was murdered in captivity along with five other young hostages.

Despite unimaginable loss, Jon and Rachel continue to share their story and their message of hope and resilience across the globe, including VOICES 2026. Grounded in their faith and sustained by community support, they have turned their grief into purpose: working toward a more vibrant Israel and a strong, democratic Jewish life. Their commitment to tikkun olam inspires action, builds resilience, and rallies others to join in communal repair.

Jacki Karsh

Jacki Karsh is a six-time Emmy-nominated journalist with more than a decade of reporting for the LA County Channel, where she covers civic life, culture, and humanitarian issues across Los Angeles. Her earlier work includes The Westside Current, Westside TV, CityTV Santa Monica, and Young Hollywood.

Widely recognized for eliciting clarity and candor from influential leaders, Jacki has conducted thousands of conversations across public policy, national security, philanthropy, business, and culture. She is also a frequent emcee for leading institutions including the Milken Global Institute, Duke University, the City of Beverly Hills, Teach Coalition, The Montgomery Summit, and Combat Antisemitism.

Since October 7th, Jacki has led nearly 100 public conversations on the Israel–Hamas war and media bias, and her writing has appeared in The Times of Israel, The Hill, JNS, and the Jewish Journal. She is the founder of the Karsh Journalism Fellowship and serves on multiple nonprofit boards. Jacki holds two degrees from Columbia University and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

Judy Binder

Judy Binder’s life has been a quiet embodiment of philanthropy and the preservation of Jewish culture. Raised in Arcadia, California, in a family deeply involved in Jewish life, she developed an early commitment to service through her local synagogue, BBG, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles.

Throughout her adult life, Judy has championed causes rooted in dignity, compassion, and education. Her leadership includes serving on the Board of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center and becoming a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness after caring for her mother. In 2016, she was honored by Alzheimer’s Orange County as the Philanthropy Partner Honoree.

After settling in Newport Beach, Judy and her husband, Phil, became active members of Temple Bat Yahm. Through Jewish Federation of Orange County, she joined Women’s Philanthropy as a Lion of Judah and later served as Chair of the Lion of Judah Committee. Judy’s generosity is grounded in responsibility, legacy, and love for her people. As the 2026 Women’s VOICES Woman of the Year, she embodies the spirit of VOICES.