Israeli-American hostage Omer Neutra, of Long Island, dead in Gaza, IDF says
PLAINVIEW, N.Y. -- Omer Neutra, an Israeli-American soldier from New York, has been confirmed dead in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said.
A grandson of Holocaust survivors, the 21-year-old from Long Island was thought to be a hostage captured by Hamas, but he was killed fighting militants during the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre, the IDF announced Monday.
Neutra's body was taken into Gaza, where it is still being held by Hamas.
Omer Neutra "was serving as a tank commander in an Israel Defense Forces unit that was among the first to respond to Hamas' campaign of cruelty -- risking his life to save the lives of others. A Long Island native, Omer planned to return to the United States for college. He dreamed of dedicating himself to building peace," President Joe Biden said in a statement.
A memorial service for Neutra will be held at the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset on Tuesday morning.
Neutra's family "deeply grieving and devastated"
Neutra, who grew up in Plainview, deferred enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to join the IDF after attending a Jewish high school. His parents spoke out at a hostage remembrance and protest in Central Park just hours before his death was announced.
"We need to finish this war and bring ceasefire and get the hostages back," his father, Ronen Neutra, had said.
"The Neutra family is deeply grieving and devastated with the news. They are currently requesting the public, who has been very supportive throughout this journey, to please respect their privacy until they are formally ready to announce the next steps," a family spokesperson said Monday.
Neutra's photo has remained a centerpiece at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, where many held on to hope for the IDF soldier. The temple opened its doors Monday night for many in the Jewish community to gather in their grief and lean into their faith.
"Omer sort of became really such a part of all of us and I think people felt so personally connected to him, even people who never met him," Rabbi Elizabeth Zeller said.
"We all woke up to the news. We were shocked. We were devastated, probably the word I heard the most today," said Craig Wolfson, president of Temple Chaverim.
New York leaders react to Omer Neutra's death
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said Monday flags would be flown at half-staff in Neutra's honor.
"It is with deep sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of Omer Neutra, a beloved son of the Town of Oyster Bay and IDF soldier, who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking news is a profound reminder of the immense sacrifices made by individuals who stand in service to protect and defend democracy around the world," Saladino's statement read in part. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Omer's family, friends, and all who loved him. This is a time of unbearable grief and a tragic loss for our entire town."
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags to half-staff statewide and said, "We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him and all hostages since that horrific day."
"For months we've prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core," Hochul said in a statement. "I've met with Omer's brave family and learned so much about this incredible young man. As we mourn this tragedy, let us continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war without Hamas in power, and a lasting peace."
"On October 7th, he fiercely defended the communities near the Gaza border when Hamas terrorists attacked. For over a year, his parents lived in hope that their son was still alive. But today, their worst fears were confirmed. My heart breaks for them and their entire family as they face this unbearable loss. But I am also filled with pride in the life that Omer lived. His heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I will not rest until his body is returned home. May his memory be a blessing," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's statement said.
The wall of hope
After Neutra's presumptive capture, the Mid-Island Y JCC in his hometown held weekly events and prayed that he and the 101 hostages would come home alive.
"We all woke up to the devastating news of the loss of Omer, that we've kept in our hearts and prayers for so long now. I think it's hit everybody the same. I burst out into tears when I saw it. I take a deep breath now to keep the tears. We all feel like we lost a son, a brother, a friend even if we didn't know him personally. He became the face of what's going on in Israel," said Mid-Island Y JCC CEO Rick Lewis.
The community's wall of hope has been up for 422 days. It displays pictures of hostages they hoped would be seen alive again.
Gary Cellers, who updates the wall, prayed he would never have to add deceased stickers to the picture of Neutra.
"My heart aches for the Neutra family. My heart aches for all the hostage families," said Cellers, facilities director at the Mid-Island Y JCC.
Families of hostages respond to Hamas propaganda video
Over the weekend, Neutra's parents spoke at a rally in Central Park, alongside the father of another Israeli-American hostage.
Edan Alexander, 20, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey and joined the Israel Defense Forces out of high school. He was seen alive in a new propaganda video released by Hamas on Saturday.
His father described seeing him in the video as both emotional and disturbing, but said the family was happy to get a sign of life.
Israel says 97 hostages remain in captivity.
