The father of an Israeli-American believed to have been killed by Hamas is clinging to hope for a miracle. Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay Chen, was reported among the deceased, shared his ongoing anxiety and desire for positive news as the situation unfolds. Despite the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informing the family that the 19-year-old was presumed dead, definitive proof has not been provided. Chen expressed his feelings during an interview on Sunday, stating, “The knowledge of the IDF that indeed he was killed, we do not have that physical evidence. That’s missing.”
As the IDF prepares for a hostage exchange expected on March 4, 2024, which includes at least 20 living hostages, Ruby Chen holds on to the possibility that his son could be among those who return. “That leaves some sort of doubt that hopefully, even tomorrow, there might be some sort of surprise for us,” he said, referencing his wish for a miracle.
Itay Chen, a member of the Armored Brigade’s 75th Battalion, was identified as one of the 48 hostages set for release. Along with him, two other Israeli-Americans are also included in the exchange. The atmosphere in the Chen household remains tense, as the family learned on March 2 that Itay was believed to be dead. Ruby Chen described their emotional state as a “mixed bag,” filled with excitement for those who will reunite with loved ones but also anxiety for the families still awaiting confirmation of their relatives’ fates.
The upcoming exchange has raised expectations but also fears. “On one hand, excitement for those that will be able to hug their loved ones. Anticipation that finally this chapter of the people of Israel that began two years ago will finally come to an end,” Ruby explained. He added, “[On the other hand] the anxiety that some of the 28 families will not be reunited with their loved ones and will be still stuck in this chapter.”
In response to the expected release of bodies, Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine announced plans to utilize advanced technology for identification. This includes fingerprinting, dental matching, and DNA extraction, which could take days to confirm identities. Families of the captives will be informed first by the Israeli Health Ministry about any released bodies.
The previous hostage exchange brought its own challenges, as Hamas mistakenly delivered the body of an unknown Palestinian woman instead of the slain mother Shiri Bibas, leading to public outrage and jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire agreement. As the new exchange approaches, the families involved face uncertainty and the hope for closure. Ruby Chen’s story reflects many others caught in this conflict, where hope and despair coexist amid the ongoing turmoil.
