From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Biden ‘devastated’ to learn of killing of US-Israeli citizen, Sgt. Itay Chen, on October 7
WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden says that he is “devastated” to hear the news that Israeli-American hostage Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, was killed during Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught.
Itay’s parents were among the leading figures in the campaign to free the hostages, holding countless leaders with world leaders, including Biden as they tried to galvanize the international community around their cause.
“In December, Itay’s father and brother joined me at the White House, to share the agony and uncertainty they’ve faced as they prayed for the safe return of their loved one,” Biden says.
“No one should have to endure even one day of what they have gone through. At the end of our meeting, they gave me a menorah — a solemn reminder that light will always dispel the darkness, and evil will not win,” he adds.
“Today, as we join Itay’s parents, brothers, and family in grieving this tragic loss, we keep this reminder close to our hearts.”
“I reaffirm my pledge to all the families of those still held hostage: we are with you. We will never stop working to bring your loved ones home,” says the US president.
Chen, who was serving in the Israeli army near the Gaza border, was earlier believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas.
His death was recently declared by the Military Rabbinate based on findings and new intelligence information.
Chen served in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 75th Battalion, and his body was taken from the Gaza border, following a battle with terrorists during the Hamas onslaught.
Chen’s family will not hold a funeral or sit shiva, the traditional seven-day Jewish mourning, until his body is returned from the Strip.
There are now believed to be five American hostages still alive among the 134 abductees in Gaza.
