Itay Chen

איתי בן ראובן

Age: 19

Background

A dual U.S.–Israeli citizen born in 2004, Itay grew up in Netanya but frequently visited New York, where his father Ruby is originally from Brooklyn. He was a former Boy Scout, a passionate basketball player (admired the Lakers and loved the NBA), and known for his “spunky” New York attitude and love of life. 

Military service

Served as a staff sergeant in the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade, 75th Battalion, stationed at the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza border. He switched shifts to attend his younger brother’s bar mitzvah the following weekend—an act his family called “cathartic”.

October 7 Attack

During the Hamas onslaught, his base was overrun. Itay was reportedly killed in action that morning, and Hamas took his body into Gaza.

Aftermath and Family Response

His parents—Tami and Ofir—have described their deep anguish. Ofir said his family “can’t suffer like this anymore” and emphasized Rom’s heroism and the need to bring him home.