Itay Chen
Gender: Male
Age when taken: 19
Citizenships: US, Israel
Occupation: IDF Soldier, Staff Sergeant in Tank Unit
Hostage status: Confirmed deceased and returned to Israel on November 5th, 2025, during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire
More about Itay:
Los Angeles Lakers and New York Mets fan
His father, Ruby, is a Brooklyn, New York native
The second of three sons
Was serving in his first year of military service
A former boy scout
Loved hiking, sports, good food, and listening to music
Alternate last name spelling:
Hen
When searching inside sources, an alternate name spelling may be used as shown above
Primary Sources:
Times of Israel, Body of IDF soldier Itay Chen, killed fighting Hamas on Oct.7, returned to Israel, Nov 05, 2025
CNN News, Parents mourn their Israeli-American son killed by Hamas, Mar 15, 2024
CNN News, Dual US-Israeli citizen Itay Chen, who was thought to have been held hostage in Gaza, was killed October 7, IDF announces, Mar 12, 2024
Scripps News, Father of American hostage held by Hamas speaks, Feb 05, 2024
Newsweek, Father of Believed Israeli Hostage Itay Chen Demands Return Of Son - YouTube, Oct 26, 2023
Times of Israel, Taken captive: Soldier Itay Chen was stationed at Gaza border, Oct 19, 2023
CBS News, Father of missing Israeli soldier calls on U.S. to "be active" in hostage recovery, Oct 11, 2023
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swords of Iron: IDF Casualties, Mar 17, 2024
Secondary Sources:
Date Last Updated: November 5th, 2025