Hamas Hostage’s Father Hoping for a ‘Miracle’ His Son Is Still Alive
The father of Israeli-American hostage Itay Chen, who was among those believed to have been killed by Hamas during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, is hoping for a “miracle” that his son is still alive.
In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, Ruby Chen said that although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said 19-year-old Itay, who had served as a soldier in the Israeli army, was killed and his body taken to Gaza, there was no “physical evidence.”
“The Israeli army knows that he was indeed killed, but we don’t have that physical proof,” Chen said. “It’s missing. It leaves some sort of doubt that hopefully even tomorrow there could be some sort of surprise for us. A miracle.”
Joel Pollak, editor-in-chief of Breitbart News, reported in March 2024 that David Mencer, a spokesperson for the Israeli government, said that “Israel had determined” that Itay had “in fact been killed”:
He noted that Israel had determined that American-Israeli soldier Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, who served in an armored brigade that confronted Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack, was killed and his body transported to Gaza.
The Times of Israel noted that his family refused to observe traditional Jewish mourning rituals until his body was returned to them.
During the CNN interview, Ruby Chen was also asked about the “planned release of the remaining 48 hostages – 20 of whom are believed to be alive.” Ruby Chen explained that while he was excited “for those who will be able to hug their loved ones”, there was also “anxiety that some of the 28 families will not be reunited with their loved ones”.
During an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Sunday morning, Vice President JD Vance said he expected the remaining hostages held by Hamas to be free “at any time.” He added that President Donald Trump is visiting the Middle East and will receive the hostages on Monday.
