Overview
- Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, a tank commander killed at Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023, had his body taken to Gaza and returned last week under Israel-Hamas ceasefire arrangements.
- Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine identified his remains on November 5, and he was buried November 9 at Tel Aviv’s Kiryat Shaul military cemetery.
- Thousands attended the funeral, where President Isaac Herzog delivered a eulogy and described Chen’s story as a national symbol.
- Chen’s father, Ruby, publicly thanked U.S. officials across administrations, including Joe Biden and members of President Trump’s team, for sustained efforts to bring hostages and remains home.
- At the graveside, the family pledged to press for a state commission of inquiry into October 7 and to advocate for the return of other hostages’ bodies.