MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Ruby Chen, the father of 19-year-old Israeli-American hostage Itay Chen, is tirelessly advocating for the release of his son and over 100 others being held by Hamas in Gaza.
Itay Chen, a soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces, was taken captive during the surprise Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, while stationed at a base near the Gaza border.
“This number on my chest is a reminder that changes every day,” Ruby Chen told Local 10 News in an exclusive interview Saturday, referring to the growing count of days since his son was taken captive.
Itay Chen had joined the IDF at 18 and was tasked with protecting civilians near the border. On that fateful day, Hamas forces overran his base.
“They protected a lot of lives,” Ruby Chen said. “But at the end, they were outnumbered and taken hostage.”
Ruby Chen has not wavered in his efforts to secure his son’s release.
Over the past year, he has advocated on the international stage and spoken with government officials, human rights organizations, and community leaders.
His recent visit to South Florida underscores his determination to keep the plight of the hostages at the forefront of public and political discourse.
During his visit, Ruby Chen met with Senator Marco Rubio, who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State.
He expressed hope that Rubio’s future role could help bring attention and action to this pressing humanitarian issue.
“Senator Rubio provides a platform to help bring this tragedy to an end,” Ruby Chen said.
The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas marked one of the deadliest days in recent Israeli history. The militant group killed approximately 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages back into Gaza. Itay Chen was among them.
The violence has since escalated into a broader conflict, with deadly clashes spreading into Lebanon and Iran. The humanitarian toll on Gaza has been catastrophic.
Dr. Eric Lob, an associate professor of politics and international relations at Florida International University, described the crisis in stark terms.
“We have now about over 40-43,000 Palestinians killed, hundreds of thousands injured. There is a humanitarian crisis there,” Lob said.
Despite numerous attempts at brokering a ceasefire, negotiations have repeatedly failed. Lob explained that while efforts by the U.S. and regional allies have sought to mediate, the situation remains volatile.
“But even though there’s been some talks brokered by the U.S. and other regional allies and partners of the United States, they have not been able to reach a deal so the violence and bloodshed continues,” Lob said.
Ruby Chen emphasized his commitment to bringing his son and all the hostages home.
“We will not stop until every single one of them comes back,” he said.
Itay Chen’s story has galvanized support across communities, and his father’s advocacy has become a rallying cry for those seeking an end to the suffering. As Chen continues his efforts, he hopes international leaders will maintain pressure on Hamas and work toward a resolution that prioritizes the hostages’ release.
While the journey is far from over, Chen’s determination reflects the unbreakable bond between a father and his son. “I want this tragedy to end,” he said, urging leaders to act decisively to save the lives of those still held captive.