Slain hostage Itay Chen’s family gave their first statement to the media on Wednesday in Tel Aviv after forensic scientists identified his remains earlier that morning.
“For 760 days, we fought across continents and oceans, in Israel and around the world,” Itay’s father, Ruby Chen, said.
“We didn't fight only for Itay, nor only for the 255 hostages, but for the soul of this country that Itay loved so deeply. We fought for solidarity and for the principle that we leave no one behind. We will continue this fight until the last hostage is brought home.”
The family learned that Itay was killed on October 7 in early 2024, but had continued to speak of him in the present tense in hopes that he was alive.
Ruby, who has advocated tirelessly for his son’s return, also thanked the Trump administration and the Hostage Families forum for their support.
“Our personal journey may have reached its conclusion, but not the hostage families’ collective journey - we will NOT rest, will NOT stop, until the last hostage returns home.”
Hagit Chen calls for release of remaining hostages, including Lt. Hadar Goldin
Itay’s mother, Hagit Chen, said that she was relieved that her son had finally come back home.
“My beloved Itay, my beautiful boy, came home. My heart is broken. There is no joy in laying your child to rest, but there is relief and there is peace for the soul. Mine and his. Every family of the fallen hostages deserves this bare minimum: a grave for their loved ones.
“Let us heal, let us bring everyone home, and let us begin our recovery and the recovery of all the people of Israel.”
Hagit Chen also called for the release of all of the remaining hostages in Gaza, including Lt. Hadar Goldin. After Chen’s return to Israel late Tuesday evening, Goldin is the last hostage who was kidnapped while on active IDF duty.
According to Army Radio, Goldin’s remains are being held in the same tunnel within Israeli-controlled territory in the Gaza Strip as the 150 Hamas terrorists Hamas has been demanding safe passage for.