Overview
- Chen, 19, a tank commander from Netanya, was killed during the October 7, 2023 attack at the Nahal Oz post and his body was taken to Gaza for 760 days.
- His remains were transferred back to Israel last week under a ceasefire arrangement and were formally identified on November 5 by the National Center of Forensic Medicine.
- At Kiryat Shaul military cemetery, his father, Ruby Chen, thanked U.S. figures across parties, citing President Joe Biden and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff among those who assisted the effort.
- Ruby Chen vowed to pursue accountability for delays in hostage returns, saying foot-dragging led to 42 abducted soldiers and civilians being brought back in coffins.
- A recorded eulogy from Witkoff was screened and President Isaac Herzog spoke at the graveside, as thousands accompanied the procession from the family home in Netanya to the cemetery.