The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice will award the 2025 Lantos Human Rights Prize to a pair of courageous mothers who became advocates on behalf of hostages and their families after experiencing the unimaginable loss of their own sons: Diane Foley, mother of journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS in 2014, and founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation; and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a civilian who was attending a music festival in Israel when he was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Ms. Goldberg-Polin will receive the Prize on behalf of the families of all those taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.

“Both of our sons were taken hostage and killed by terrorists. Tragically, we share a profound understanding that advocacy is essential – not only to securing the freedom of hostages, but also to ensuring their families are supported and governments are held accountable to their moral duty to protect their citizens. I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious honor alongside Rachel Goldberg-Polin.” - Diane Foley

”Representative Tom Lantos was a true inspiration to me during his service in the Bay Area, where our family was living when Hersh was born,” said Ms. Goldberg-Polin. “I have also been an admirer of the mighty Diane Foley and her fierce commitment to advocacy and justice for hostages and their families. To receive this esteemed prize with Ms. Foley is deeply moving for me and the hostage families who have loved ones still being held captive.” - Rachel Goldberg-Polin