IDF: Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, Kidnapped to Gaza

The IDF cleared for publication on Tuesday that Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, from Netanya, a soldier in the 75th Battalion of the 7th Brigade, is a fallen IDF soldier whose body was abducted by a terrorist organization.

Until now, Chen was designated as a fallen IDF soldier whose burial place is unknown. After new findings were presented and based on reliable information, the Chief Military Rabbi, Brig. Gen. Rabbi Eyal Karim, determined that Itay fell in battle on October 7 and his body was abducted.

Itay, an American citizen, is the 134th hostage held by Hamas. In recent months, Itay’s family has fought for his release, meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and other senior officials in the American administration.

His father, Rubi Chen, said today: “We received the bitter news. We are a strong family; we will know how to cope with this. Our journey is not over. We will not rest and we will not be silent until we bring Itay home for burial in Israel, as we have promised him from the first day. We love him and are waiting for him.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “With deep sorrow, I received the heartbreaking news this evening, along with the entire nation of Israel, that Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, of blessed memory, fell in the terrible battle on October 7, and his body is being held in Gaza. My heart is with his family, Rubi and Hagit, and with his entire family. Itay was a brave and heroic soldier. From the first moment of his abduction, Rubi and Hagit embarked on a heroic, unbelievable journey to bring Itay home. They met with many leaders around the world, traveled to countless capitals, and became a symbol of heroism and the infinite love of parents for their son. We will continue to act in every way to bring Itay, and all of our hostages, home.”

President Isaac Herzog eulogized: “I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, of blessed memory, who fell in battle on October 7 and whose body was abducted to Gaza. Itay, a brave armored corps soldier, defended the communities of the Gaza envelope with his body. His parents, Rubi and Hagit, became a symbol of a noble and determined struggle to bring their son back. They moved an entire nation and captivated world opinion with their just struggle. We will not be silent and we will not rest until we bring all our hostages home.”