Ruby and Hagit Chen, the parents of fallen soldier Itay Chen, expressed relief after the return of their son's body from Gaza. Ruby Chen recounted the family's struggle to bring Itay and other hostages home, recalling the pain of being told their son would likely not return alive. The family refused to mourn until Itay's body was returned, and now plan to hold the traditional seven-day mourning period. They emphasized their ongoing commitment to fight for the return of the remaining deceased hostages and called for a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7, 2023. Hagit Chen spoke of the bittersweet relief in being able to lay her son to rest, urging that all families of fallen hostages deserve the dignity of a grave for their loved ones.
image sourced from original article at https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/parents-of-fallen-soldier-itay-chen-relieved-by-return-of-his-body/Original article source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/parents-of-fallen-soldier-itay-chen-relieved-by-return-of-his-body/
Source Id: 2025-11-883865007



