Chen’s parents, Ruby and Hagit, who have led a vocal campaign for his return, eulogized their son at his funeral on Sunday. “Itay’s return saved the lives of my family. And this must happen with all the families whose loved ones have not yet returned. The lives of these families also need to be saved,” he said.
“I want to address the government and its members have forgotten the true values of Judaism. These politicians refused to listen to the army commanders who came and warned them about the danger at Israel’s doorstep.”
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Itay’s parents, Ruby and Hagit, pay their respects at his funeral on Sunday. Credit: Moti Milrodi
Itay’s parents, Ruby and Hagit, pay their respects at his funeral on Sunday. Credit: Moti Milrodi
“I promise you,” he said, speaking over his son’s grave, “[We] will pursue those responsible for placing you at an undefended base without reinforcements, the commanders who stayed behind and did not come to help that day, and the politicians who were supposed to be the responsible adults in the room. We will pursue them all and will not stop until, under oath, they give the Israeli people answers and accept responsibility. All of this will take place before a state commission of inquiry.”
Itay’s mother, Hagit, said: “More than two years later I haven’t received answers that put my mind at ease about what happened on October 7.”
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Itay’s parents, Ruby and Hagit, salute thier son at his funeral on Sunday. Credit: Paulina Patimer/Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters
Itay’s parents, Ruby and Hagit, salute thier son at his funeral on Sunday. Credit: Paulina Patimer/Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters
Itay’s older brother, Roy, thanked the families of other hostages and the public: “You are the reason my family stood on its feet during these long two years.” He called for a state inquiry: “Itay and my family deserve it. So do the 2,000 other families who lost their loved ones. We must examine the failures that led to October 7 and learn from the mistakes that brought us to the brink.”
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Alon and Roy Chen, Itay’s brothers, speak at his funeral on Sunday. Credit: Paulina Patimer/The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters
Alon and Roy Chen, Itay’s brothers, speak at his funeral on Sunday. Credit: Paulina Patimer/The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters