Staff Sgt. Itay Chen was a 19-year-old dual American-Israeli citizen and IDF tank gunner killed during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.[1][2][5] Born in the United States in 2004, he grew up in Netanya, Israel, with frequent visits to his father Ruby's hometown of New York, and enlisted in the IDF's Armored Corps in August 2022, serving in the 7th Armored Brigade's 75th or 77th Battalion as a gunner.[1][2][5][7] On October 7, Chen was stationed at the Nahal Oz outpost near Gaza, where he and his tank crew— including Cpt. Daniel Perez and Sgt. Tomer Leibovitz—fought for hours against invading Hamas terrorists; he was killed alongside them, his body taken to Gaza, while comrade Matan Angrest was captured alive.[1][2] Initially listed as a hostage, the IDF confirmed in March 2024 that Chen had died during the assault.[1][8] His family, including parents Ruby and Hagit and brothers Roy and Alon, refused a funeral or shiva until his remains were returned.[1] Chen was vibrant and outgoing, described by his father as the "life of the party," family "connector," and "sandwich"—fun, energetic, and living life fully.[1][2] He loved basketball (idolizing Kobe Bryant), judo, breakdancing, singing, PlayStation, indoor rock climbing, and his dog Gucci; he was active in scouting as a participant and senior instructor in youth movements.[1][2][6] He had switched shifts to attend his brother Alon's bar mitzvah the following week and dreamed of post-service travels with girlfriend Neta.[1][2] After over two years (760 days), Hamas returned Chen's remains on November 4, 2025; he was buried in Tel Aviv on November 9, marking him as the last American hostage held.[1][5] Ruby Chen advocated globally for hostages, speaking at Hostage Square, the UN, and media.[2] Chen's story underscores the October 7 casualties and hostage crisis's toll.[1][2][5]