Remains of IDF soldier Itay Chen returned to Israel
The last American-Israeli hostage in Gaza ceasefire deal was murdered on 7 October by Hamas terrorists
On Tuesday night, after 760 days in captivity, the body of 19-year old Itay Chen was returned to Israel by Hamas.
Forensic experts confirmed the identity of the IDF Staff Sergeant, a soldier in Battalion 77, Sa’ar Golan Division, who was born in the US and raised in Netanya.
Murdered by terrorists on 7 October, 2023, his body was taken into Gaza. Chen was part of the “Perez crew”, who fought for hours against terrorists who invaded Nahal Oz.
Cpt. Daniel Perez (the tank commander) Staff Sgt. Itay Chen (the gunner) and Sgt. Tomer Leibovitz (the loader), were murdered, and the bodies of Daniel and Itay were kidnapped to Gaza along with Sgt. First Class Matan Angrest (the driver), who was kidnapped alive.
Tomer was laid to rest in October 2023, Matan was released alive on 13 October 2025 and Daniel’s body was returned to Israel and laid to rest on 15 October, 2025.
Immediately after being released from Hamas captivity, Matan Angrest — the crew’s only survivor — acknowledged Daniel, Tomer, and Itay, writing: “you are the kings of the lions.”
Posting in tribute, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said: “Itay was a beloved and respected “SHELACH” instructor, guiding children and teenagers, helping them connect more deeply to the land of Israel, encouraging personal growth, and accompanying them on their educational journeys.
“He completed the full training course, including a survival course. A passionate athlete, he loved playing basketball and was a member of the ‘Elitzur Netanya’ team. Funny, always smiling, and full of life. Itay was an outstanding young man — the very best of our youth.
“The salt of the earth. He loved the land of Israel, his family, and the friends who always surrounded him. He had a heart of gold — always giving of himself to others, always putting his friends first. Itay is survived by his parents Hagit and Ruby, and his brothers Roy and Alon.”
The Israel Foreign Ministry described him as “fun, kind, and full of life…the glue of his family – a Boy Scout, athlete, and adventurer who embraced every moment. He wasn’t even meant to be on duty that day; he had swapped weekends so he could attend his brother’s bar mitzvah the following week – a celebration he never got to see.”
Seven hostage bodies remain in Gaza.
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