Sgt. Itay Chen was taken captive by Hamas on October 7. The IDF believes he is dead—but his family is still holding out hope.
Ever since Itay was declared Missing in Action, Ruby and Chagit Chen—and the Chen family—have tirelessly fought to bring him home. Ruby and Itay are American citizens, so they hoped that would play to their advantage. In March of 2024, the IDF declared that Itay was killed on Oct. 7 and his body is being held by Hamas.
Itay’s family has chosen not to sit shiva until his body is returned from the Strip for burial. They are still holding out hope—however slim, or grim—that Itay’s fate is different than the army believes. That he will return home alive.
Ruby joins Sruli Fruchter to speak about his family’s reality over the last 500-plus days—fighting for Itay while continuing their lives, working with US administrations, and ensuring he is not forgotten.
This interview was held on March 12.

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