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This Oct. 7, we finally have a place to mourn our son

8 0
06.10.2026

For two years, Oct. 7 had no address for my family.

Our son, Itay, was kidnapped into Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. Months later, we learned he had been killed that morning, yet for more than 760 days there was no place my wife and I could go to be with him. We marked the day in suspended grief, waiting for word that he was finally coming home.

This year is different. Finally, we have a place to mourn. On the third anniversary, we will stand at Itay’s grave. For the first time, we can sit beside our son, touch the stone that carries his name, and grieve the way parents should be allowed to grieve.

I owe this to President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who refused to close the file until Itay, the last American hostage, came home to be laid to rest.

They understood that America does not leave its citizens behind. My family will never forget it.

Three years later, too many Oct. 7 questions remain

But........

© USA TODAY