Bring Itay Home

Itay Chen is an American Israeli 19 year old abducted to Gaza and we must bring him home. A loving son, brother and friend Itay was born in Netanya, Israel in February 2004 to Ruby, a proud New Yorker, and Hagit, a second generation Israeli. An Israeli, American and German citizen, Itay has two loving siblings, an elder brother Roy and younger brother Alon.  Itay is greatly missed by his family. He is the glue that brings everyone together.    From a young age Itay was a happy, generous born leader, who loves life, his family, his friends, and his girlfriend. He excels in extra curriculum activities and was a dedicated counsellor in the Boy Scouts as well as an avid basketball player who fell in love with the Boston Celtics, much to the dismay of his dad,  a proud New Yorker and  Knicks fan. He was planning to travel the world with his girlfriend after completing his army service.  On October 7, Itay and his family’s world changed forever.  As is mandatory in Israel, a tiny country of just under 10 million people, after graduating from high school Itay enlisted to the IDF to protect the people of Israel, a country surrounded by enemies. He had the option to join an army technology unit but wanted to be in a field position and grow as a leader and as an individual.  The Kidnapping  The morning of October 7, 2023, found Itay in Nahal Oz, on the Israeli border with Gaza. Itay and his tank division were stationed to protect Israel’s Southwest Border. It was a quiet and peaceful Saturday morning given the cease fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. In the surprise attack on October 7, Hamas terrorists breached the Gaza border and unleashed a barbaric assault on peaceful communities, the Nova music festival participants and military outposts. The terrorists were blood thirsty and committed indescribable war crimes never to be forgotten.  Stationed to protect the border, Itay and his tank unit were one of the first responders trying valiantly to thwart the terror attack. Hamas ISIS terrorists murdered that day over 1,200 people (including 46 Americans) and took over 240 hostages, 12 of them American citizens, including Itay.  A tragic year later, 101 hostages are still being held captive in Gaza with no medical attention or visits from the International Red Cross with several being tragically executed point blank by their captors. Itay has a family waiting for him It’s been a year now since Itay’s parents, Ruby and Hagit Chen last heard from their beloved son. On October 12, at 6am, the military  appeared on the family’s doorstep confirming that Itay is missing. That same morning, at 8am, Itay’s younger brother Alon had his Bar Mitzva ceremony with his close family, missing Itay.   Ever since then, Ruby and Hagit have been working tirelessly to promote Itay’s cause and that of the other 100 hostages.  Ruby and Hagit have spoken on every stage, met with top level figures to spread the word – bring our hostages home, safely, to their families.  They have met with key political, diplomatic, humanitarian, interfaith, and community, leaders – including US President Biden, US Vice President Harris, US Secretary of State Blinken, CIA Director Burns and the National Security Agency a few dozen times.  They have been to Washington DC, Boston, NYC, Qatar and Germany to uncover every stone that might bring their son back. They hold continuous media appearances and speak at Hostage Family rallies. Ruby was elected to the Forum Hostages Families steering committee and leads the Hostage Families US activities. Hagit is a German citizen and advocates for the release of the hostages in Germany constantly, meeting German officials and legislators. In all their meetings they emphasize: This is a humanitarian crisis and is not a political issue. In March, the Israeli military notified the family that they have reason to believe Itay is no longer alive. This is a statement that the family challenges. The family chose not to  hold the Jewish Shiva tradition for families in mourning, holding out to bring Itay home.  We last spoke to our son Itay more than a year ago.  We have gone through a full year cycle recognizing holidays, birthdays and anniversaries without Itay. Itay cherished the holidays and being with his family. It was also quality time to spend with his loving girlfriend as well as play hoops with his friends. Itay was kind. He loved his friends. He had a sense of humor. And charm. Itay was on the way to a wonderful life; he had barely launched.  It is impossible to articulate the feelings we have endured over the last year, but we must remain focused on the task: releasing Itay and uniting our family back together. For us to continue our mission, we ask for your support. Help Us #BringItayHome This situation is unimaginable for any human being or parent to endure. Since October 7th , the family has incurred significant costs for the Bring Itay Home campaign and are now looking for your generous financial support to help support going forward including: • Continuing to increase awareness and advocate on the importance of bringing all 101 hostages’ home, including their son Itay • Liaise and organize with other families who have loved ones held hostage in Gaza • Advocacy of back channel diplomatic outreach with key countries and individuals involved in the hostage release effort • Conduct international media outreach and public education campaigns • Strengthen public awareness among US and German Jewish communities and concerned freedom-loving people around the world • Support the growing financial needs of the family as both Ruby and Hagit are freelancers in their respective professions and have no capacity to generate income. Please join us by making a tax-deductible charitable donation to help us Bring Itay and all other hostages back Home. #BringItayHome on Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itaychen  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bring_itay_home facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561269004170  Ruby & Hagit Social Media TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@chagit.chen  Ruby Chen: rubychen.email@gmail.com Hagit Chen: https://www.facebook.com/chagitchen | chagitchen@gmail.com EIN 81-0757923