The people of Netanya’s Poleg neighborhood turned out in force on Friday afternoon to honor one of their own - fallen soldier Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, who fought in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade.
Earlier in the week, the IDF announced that Chen had been killed by Hamas terrorists on the morning of October 7 and his body taken into Gaza where it remains.
Until the announcement, Chen’s family never gave up hope of seeing their son and brother alive, having been notified that he was “missing in action” two days after his disappearance.
His parents Ruby and Hagit did everything in their power to ensure his safe return, including meeting with US President Joe Biden, who was reportedly devastated by the tragic news of his death, saying “today… we join Itay’s parents, brothers, and family in grieving this tragic loss” before reaffirming his pledge to the families of the remaining hostages with the words: “We will never stop working to bring your loved ones home.”
Despite the family’s decision not to sit for the shiva weeklong mourning period until his body was returned, they, along with the community, wanted to mark this young local hero’s memory in a meaningful way with a flag march followed by a unique ceremony at their synagogue on Friday afternoon.
Holding their flags aloft, young and old alike met outside the family’s home to begin their march along the streets of Poleg under the banner “The journey is not over yet,” echoing the words of Chen’s father – who, upon learning of his son’s death, declared: “Our family has decided that our journey is not over.... We decided that we are not sitting shiva until Itay is returned home. We will continue our battle, with all the other [hostage] families, to bring a deal now.”
Some walked with their dogs, as did Chen’s mother, whose little furry friend led the procession alongside his father, who held a large poster bearing his son’s face with the words “Bring Him Home Now.”
Toward the synagogue
As the march proceeded toward the synagogue where the ceremony in Chen’s honor was to be held, many more joined. Before long, the roads became a sea of blue and white as thousands marched with their flags behind the fallen soldier’s family, silently supporting them on their agonizing journey.
Once there, everyone gathered around the steps leading to the entrance of the synagogue above where a huge banner was hanging with Chen’s familiar face smiling down onto the crowd below.
One by one, family members got up to speak about their beloved Itay, breaking down in tears as they did so. The crowd, many unable to hold back tears themselves, listened in silence as his heartbroken parents, siblings, uncle and girlfriend spoke of their devastating loss.
A stirring rendition of Eyal Golan’s “Shkiot Adumot,” (Red Sunsets), left people of all ages weeping openly.
The ceremony, a video of which was sent to Biden, ended with “Hatikvah,” before everyone slowly made their way out of the grounds of the synagogue as the grieving family was left to welcome in their first Shabbat with the knowledge that Itay, their darling son, brother, nephew and boyfriend was no longer with them.