Remembering Itay

A loving son, brother and friend

Itay was born in Netanya, Israel in February 2004 to Ruby, a proud New Yorker, and Hagit, a second generation Israeli. An Israeli, American and German citizen, Itay has two loving siblings, an elder brother Roy and younger brother Alon.

Itay is greatly missed by his family. He was the glue that brings everyone together.

From a young age Itay was a happy, generous born leader, who loved life, his family, his friends, and his girlfriend. He exceled in extra curriculum activities and was a dedicated counsellor in the Boy Scouts as well as an avid basketball player who fell in love with the Boston Celtics, much to the dismay of his dad, a proud New Yorker and Knicks fan. He was planning to travel the world with his girlfriend after completing his army service.

On October 7, Itay and his family’s world changed forever.

As is mandatory in Israel, a tiny country of just under 10 million people, after graduating from high school Itay enlisted to the IDF to protect the people of Israel, a country surrounded by enemies. He had the option to join an army technology unit but wanted to be in a field position and grow as a leader and as an individual.

The Kidnapping

The morning of October 7, 2023, found Itay in Nahal Oz, on the Israeli border with Gaza. Itay and his tank division were stationed to protect Israel’s Southwest Border. It was a quiet and peaceful Saturday morning given the cease fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

In the surprise attack on October 7, Hamas terrorists breached the Gaza border and unleashed a barbaric assault on peaceful communities, the Nova music festival participants and military outposts. The terrorists were blood thirsty and committed indescribable war crimes never to be forgotten.

Stationed to protect the border, Itay and his tank unit were one of the first responders trying valiantly to thwart the terror attack. Hamas ISIS terrorists murdered that day over 1,200 people (including 46 Americans) and took over 240 hostages, 12 of them American citizens, including Itay.

It was learned on March 2024 Itay was killed on Oct 7th and his remains were kidnapped by Hamas as a future negoitation chip. He was finally returned to his family 760 days later on Nov 4th 2025.

Remembering Itay

Till Itay's return, Ruby and Hagit had been working tirelessly to promote Itay’s cause and that of the other hostages.

Ruby and Hagit have spoken on every stage in the White House, The Senate and Congress, the UN Security Council, Germany, Qatar and the Israeli Parliment and have met with top level figures to spread the word – bring our hostages home, all of them, to their families.

They have met with key political, diplomatic, humanitarian, interfaith, and community, leaders – including US President Trump, US Vice President Vance, US Secretary of State Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner a few dozen times.

Ruby was elected to the Forum Hostages Families steering committee and leads the Hostage Families US activities. Hagit is a German citizen and advocated for the release of the hostages in Germany constantly, meeting German officials and legislators.

With finally recieving Itay back, we needed to accept the fact Itay will not come back alive and finally had the Jewish Shiva to mourn his death. But his passing, should not be an end but a beginning of a new chapter to remember him with various activities and allow his family to continue to advocate for the release of the remaining hostages.

Help Us #RememberingItay

This situation is unimaginable for any human being or parent to endure. Since October 7th 2023, the family has incurred significant costs and are now looking for your generous financial support to help support going forward including:

Continuing to increase awareness and advocate on the importance of the release of the remaining hostages as well as remembering Itay.

Support the growing financial needs of the family as both Ruby and Hagit are freelancers in their respective professions and have no capacity to generate income.

Please join us by making a tax-deductible charitable donation to help us Bring Itay and all other hostages back Home.

#BringItayHome and #rememberingItay on Social Media

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itaychen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bring_itay_home

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561269004170

Ruby & Hagit Social Media

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chagit.chen

Ruby Chen: rubychen.email@gmail.com

Hagit Chen: https://www.facebook.com/chagitchen | chagitchen@gmail.com

EIN 81-0757923