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I am the father of Itay Chen, an American-German-Israeli citizen, held captive by Hamas in Gaza for an agonizing 593 days.
At 18, Itay joined the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and bravely defended innocent civilians on October 7, 2023, as Hamas launched a terror attack. His squad engaged for several hours, fighting to protect lives while facing unimaginable danger. Ultimately, Itay’s tank was incapacitated, and three of the four crew members were taken hostage and brought to Gaza.
In March 2024, our family received heartbreaking news from the IDF: Itay likely did not survive the harrowing attack on that tragic day. However, Hamas has refused to acknowledge his captivity or reveal any information about his status for over 19 months. This cruel silence extends beyond our family; reports indicate over 30 families in similar situations suspect that their loved ones have died, while more than 50,000 families worldwide are still searching for missing relatives due to conflicts.
The actions of Hamas exemplify the lowest form of psychological terror. How can any group use deceased individuals as bargaining chips? This horrifying tactic suggests a disregard for basic human rights and decency.
Over five years ago, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2474. This pivotal resolution committed nations to seek out missing persons in conflicts actively and to facilitate the return of their remains. It emphasized that every missing individual’s case deserves attention, regardless of their nationality or background. This commitment represents not just words but an international legal standard and a moral imperative.
Despite this, Hamas’ behaviors demonstrate a blatant disregard for the tenets of this resolution. By continuing to hold hostages and withholding the bodies of deceased individuals, they violate both humanitarian laws and the explicit stipulations of the Security Council. Resolution 2474 signifies to bereaved families everywhere that the world stands united in their quest for truth and resolution.
Just last Thursday, I had the solemn opportunity to address the United Nations Security Council as part of the American Mission. I implored the international community to uphold their commitments and ensure Resolution 2474 is remembered and enforced.
When I stood before the United Nations, I did so as a father, not as a diplomat. My goal was to humanize this global crisis and to communicate the excruciating pain of waiting 593 days, uncertain about whether my child is alive. I beseeched the Security Council to take tangible action, advocating for the appointment of a Special Representative for Hostage Affairs. Just as the U.S. has a Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, we need a dedicated individual focusing solely on securing the release of our loved ones and addressing the needs of families like mine.
A UN official dedicated to this issue could act as a rallying point, monitoring cases, coordinating urgent responses, and ensuring the implementation of Resolution 2474. More importantly, this representative would amplify the voices of victims—parents like myself who crave someone to advocate for our families.
President Donald Trump has demonstrated commitment to addressing hostage situations, successfully negotiating the release of at least 37 American hostages from various nations since taking office. He has publicly expressed the urgency to release all hostages held in Gaza, living or deceased.
What I fear most is the silence that has begun to envelop this issue. As conflicts linger, public interest often wanes. For many people, news cycles shift, but for families like ours, the pain remains frozen in time. We cannot permit society to overlook this crisis. That silence carries a profound message: your child does not matter, your grief is an inconvenience, and your suffering is insignificant. I implore everyone not to let our loved ones fade into obscurity.
I never aspired to be a voice for families of the deceased across the globe. I am merely a father yearning for his son. Itay was a passionate Boston Celtics fan, and I should be sharing moments in front of the television, cheering on our team together during playoff games. Instead, I grapple with a sorrow that defies understanding. Whether or not Itay’s death is confirmed, he remains a hostage and deserves every possible effort to return him. Furthermore, my family is entitled to dignity, truth, justice, and ultimately, peace.
Urgent Call to Action
This crisis requires immediate attention from the international community. Families like mine should not be left to suffer in silence. It is imperative that humanitarian organizations, governments, and individuals come together to advocate for missing persons and hold perpetrators accountable. The commitment to restore the dignity of the deceased and to reunite families with their loved ones must be a global priority.
