After 760 days, American-Israeli IDF Staff Sgt. Itay Chen’s remains have been returned to his loved ones. Just 19 years old, Staff Sgt. Chen was killed by Hamas terrorists who attacked his tank on October 7 and later kidnapped his body to Gaza. He was the last American hostage being held by Hamas.

 

Staff Sgt. Chen was born in the United States but grew up in the Israeli city of Netanya and often visited New York, where his father, Ruby, is from.

 

On October 7, 2023, he was on active duty as part of the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion. Staff Sgt. Chen had stayed on his base during the Simchat Torah holiday so he could return home the following weekend for his younger brother, Alon’s, bar mitzvah.

 

Jewish Federations are relieved that Staff Sgt. Chen can at long last receive the dignified burial denied him for over two years, bringing solace and some closure to his family – including loving parents Ruby and Hagit. May his memory forever be a blessing.

 

The remains of seven hostages are still being held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Jewish Federations will not stop advocating until the very last hostage is returned to their family.