Father Pleads at UN for Son's Remains After Hamas Hostage Crisis

Plea for Closure at the United Nations

• 💔 Ruby Hen, father of Itai Hen, a dual American-German-Israeli citizen, addressed the UN Security Council seeking closure over his son's remains.
• 🕯️ Itai Hen was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and is believed to have been killed that day, but Hamas has not acknowledged his possession or physical status for over 19 months.
• 🌍 Hen described his family's situation as being in a "suspended alternative universe" due to the lack of a process for coping with the unknown fate of his son.

Demands for Accountability and Resolution

• ⚖️ Hen urged the UN to enforce a resolution and international law that guarantees families the right to know the fate of loved ones missing in conflict.
• 🚫 He called for sanctions against those who disobey such international mandates.
• 🕊️ The plea aims to bring closure not only to his family but also to the families of the 58 hostages still believed to be in captivity, with fewer than two dozen still alive.

The Agony of Waiting

• ⏳ Unlike families of hostages who have been released, the Hen family continues to wait in agony for Hamas to release Itai's remains.
• 🎖️ Itai Hen, an IDF soldier, was defending civilians during the October 7th attack when he was taken hostage.
• 🗣️ Hen hopes his voice at the UN will help facilitate the return of his son's remains, allowing his family to move forward.