Israeli Soldier Omer Neutra Killed in Hamas Attack, Military Confirms
Long Island Mourns as Plainview Native Omer Neutra Confirmed Killed by Hamas
Plainview, NY – Tragedy has struck the Long Island community as the Israeli military confirmed the death of 21-year-old Omer Neutra, a Plainview native and soldier believed to have been captured by Hamas during the October 7th attack on Israel.
Neutra, a platoon commander in the Israel Defense forces, was one of seven American Israelis believed to be held hostage in Gaza.The military announced his death on X, stating it was based on intelligence and expressing condolences with the conventional Jewish phrase “May his memory be a blessing.”
Neutra’s parents, Ronen and Orna, had tirelessly campaigned for his release since the attack, speaking at protests in the U.S. and Israel, addressing the Republican National Convention, and maintaining contact with the Biden management.
President Joe Biden expressed his and First Lady Jill Biden’s devastation and outrage at the news. “A Long Island native, Omer planned to return to the United States for college.He dreamed of dedicating himself to building peace,” the President’s statement read. “to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong.”
The news sent shockwaves through Long Island, where Neutra’s family had become a symbol of the ongoing crisis in Israel.
“The news brought me to tears,” said Rick Lewis, chief executive of the mid-island Y JCC, who knows the Neutra family. “We’re all dumbfounded.”
Lewis, who met with Jewish leaders from the region on Monday, emphasized the community’s grief and determination. “We can’t lose hope, as Omar’s parents didn’t lose hope until today,” he said.
Local officials also expressed their condolences and support for the Neutra family.Governor Kathy Hochul, who had previously called for Neutra’s safe return, tweeted: “We just learned that this prayer couldn’t be answered for the family of Omer Neutra. Omer was barbarically murdered by Hamas in the October 7 attacks.we pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him & all hostages since that horrific day.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman hailed Neutra as a “cherished Nassau County resident, a fellow American, and a dedicated IDF soldier, whose life was tragically cut short by acts of unimaginable terror.”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino ordered flags on town property to be flown at half-staff in honor of neutra. “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 said.
Neutra,a 2019 graduate of the Schechter School of Long Island and descendant of Holocaust survivors,had moved to Israel after a gap year and enlisted in the IDF. His father, Ronen, had previously described the past year of uncertainty as “filled with agony — an agony no parent should have to go through.”
Neutra’s death comes amidst a devastating war in Gaza that began with Hamas’s attack on October 7th, killing over 1,200 people in Israel and taking around 250 hostage. While some hostages have been released or their bodies recovered, approximately 100 remain captive in Gaza.
The Biden administration is actively pursuing a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages after months of stalled negotiations.
this is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Long Island Mourns as Plainview Native omer Neutra Confirmed Killed by Hamas
For Immediate Release
Plainview, NY – Tragedy has struck the Long Island community as the Israeli military confirmed the death of 21-year-old omer Neutra, a Plainview native and soldier believed to have been captured by Hamas during the October 7th attack on Israel.
neutra, a platoon commander in the Israel Defense Forces, was one of seven American Israelis believed to be held hostage in Gaza.The military announced his death on X, stating it was based on intelligence and expressing condolences with the conventional Jewish phrase “may his memory be a blessing.”
NeutraS parents, Ronen and Orna, had tirelessly campaigned for his release since the attack, speaking at protests in the U.S. and Israel, addressing the Republican National Convention, and maintaining contact with the Biden management.
President Joe Biden expressed his and First Lady Jill Biden’s devastation and outrage at the news. “A Long Island native, Omer planned to return to the United States for college. He dreamed of dedicating himself to building peace,” the President’s statement read. “to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong.”
The news sent shockwaves through Long Island,where Neutra’s family had become a symbol of the ongoing crisis in Israel.
“The news brought me to tears,” said Rick Lewis, chief executive of the mid-island Y JCC, who knows the Neutra family. “We’re all dumbfounded.”
Lewis,who met with Jewish leaders from the region on Monday,emphasized the community’s grief and determination. “we can’t lose hope, as Omar’s parents didn’t lose hope until today,” he said.
Local officials also expressed their condolences and support for the Neutra family. Governor Kathy Hochul, who had previously called for Neutra’s safe return, tweeted: “We just learned that this prayer couldn’t be answered for the family of Omer Neutra. Omer was barbarically murdered by Hamas in the October 7 attacks.we pray that his body can be returned to his family,who have been speaking out for him & all hostages since that horrific day.”
Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman hailed Neutra as a “cherished Nassau county resident, a fellow American, and a dedicated IDF soldier, whose life was tragically cut short by acts of unimaginable terror.”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino ordered flags on town property to be flown at half-staff in honor of Neutra. “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 said.
Neutra, a 2019 graduate of the Schechter School of Long Island and descendant of Holocaust survivors, had moved to Israel after a gap year and enlisted in the IDF. His father, ronen, had previously described the past year of uncertainty as ”filled with agony — an agony no parent should have to go through.”
Neutra’s death comes amidst a devastating war in Gaza that began with Hamas’s attack on October 7th, killing over 1,200 people in Israel and taking around 250 hostage. While some hostages have been released or their bodies recovered, approximately 100 remain captive in Gaza.
The biden administration is actively pursuing a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages after months of stalled negotiations.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.