I am the father of Itai Chen, an American citizen who has been held by Hamas for 593 days. Itai, who joined the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) at 18, fought against Hamas on October 7, 2023. During the battle, he and his team bravely defended civilian lives, facing an intense assault. Unfortunately, their tank was eventually immobilized, and three of the four crew members were captured and taken to Gaza.
By March 2024, my family received a notification from the IDF suggesting that the chances of surviving the attack were slim. However, for over 19 months, Hamas hasn’t made any efforts to acknowledge my son’s situation or status. It’s troubling to think that more than 30 families in Gaza who had loved ones taken hostage likely didn’t hear any news. There are also around 50,000 families worldwide reported missing in conflict zones.
The actions of Hamas represent a disturbing form of psychological warfare. What kind of people negotiate with the dead? How can anyone strip the basic dignity and rights from others?
A Mother’s Plea: Bring Your Son Home from Gaza
Ruby Chen, Itai’s mother, stood before the UN Security Council, advocating for more action to free hostages from Gaza. Despite resolutions like the 2019 UN Security Council resolution 2474, aimed at ensuring missing individuals are actively searched for and their remains returned, Hamas openly defies such commitments. This resolution describes obligations that shouldn’t just be ignored. It’s not merely about words—it’s about adherence to international law and moral responsibilities.
Hamas’s actions today challenge the very essence of this resolution. They continue to withhold hostages, blatantly violating humanitarian law. In a moment last Thursday, I had the chance to speak to the Security Council through the American mission. I urged them to remember and enforce this resolution. It cannot be forgotten.
As a father addressing the United Nations, I wasn’t there as a diplomat but as a human being. After 593 long days, I wanted them to truly feel our anguish and understand what it’s like to exist in limbo, not knowing if your child is alive or dead. I called for the formation of a special representative dedicated solely to hostage issues, to advocate for families like mine and ensure that we are not overlooked.
With dedicated officials, we could better coordinate efforts, oversee incidents, and implement Resolution 2474 effectively. We’ve observed evidence of past efforts, like former President Donald Trump’s commitment, who has worked to secure the release of hostages, asserting repeatedly that all hostages in Gaza should be freed.
What worries me most is the growing silence surrounding these issues. As the war continues, public interest can diminish. For many, life goes on, but for us, it feels paused. It’s unsettling to think that our pain may be deemed too inconvenient for others. Our loved ones shouldn’t be left in obscurity.
I never wanted to become a spokesperson for families of the missing. I’m just a father desperate to reunite with his son. Itai, a passionate NBA Boston Celtics fan, should be here watching games with me, instead of enduring this endless suffering. Whether or not he has passed, the efforts to bring him home shouldn’t be obstructed. Our family deserves respect, clarity, justice, and peace.
