A large crowd gathered at the Midway Jewish Center in Long Island, New York, to pay tribute to Omer Neutra. The American-Israeli soldier tragically died during Hamas’ devastating attack on October 7, 2023. For over 400 days, uncertainty surrounded his fate until the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed his death. Initially, his family held onto hope, believing he was alive and held as a hostage.
Omer Neutra served as a tank platoon commander in Israel’s 7th Armored Brigade. According to the IDF, he was killed while fighting Hamas militants on the Gaza border. Eventually, new intelligence and findings helped the IDF confirm his death.
During the memorial, Omer’s father, Ronen Neutra, spoke about his son’s dedication and bravery. He expressed the family’s deep sorrow, saying, “We spoke about you in so many places. Telling Omer’s story. The hostages’ story. We call on world leaders to save Omer, to save the others.”
Moreover, Ronen praised his son’s selflessness and determination. He recalled Omer’s words: “It’s my turn to show my love to Israel in action and not just in words.” Similarly, his mother, Orna Neutra, shared her grief. “We kept going and going, keeping you alive with hope and love,” she said tearfully. “Now things are clear, but not as we’d hoped.”
Meanwhile, Omer’s brother, Daniel, vowed to carry on his legacy. He declared, “It is too late for him, but it was not in vain.”
Notably, Omer was born in Manhattan just weeks after the September 11 attacks. His grandparents were Holocaust survivors, and his upbringing reflected strong Jewish values. While attending a Jewish school on Long Island, he excelled in sports and captained basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams.
Later, Omer deferred his admission to the State University of New York at Binghamton. Instead, he moved to Israel to enlist in the army. His father revealed that Omer viewed Israel as his “true love” and insisted on serving on the frontlines. Importantly, his unit was among the first to respond to Hamas’ October 7 invasion.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, hundreds gathered for the weekly Singing for their Return event, which was dedicated to Omer. At the event, his aunt, Genia Tzohar, reflected on his loss. “It’s a small consolation that he didn’t experience long days in captivity,” she said, visibly emotional.
Furthermore, she saluted him and expressed hope for his body to return to Israel. His grandmother, Tamar Tzohar, recalled their final conversation. On October 6, Omer told his parents his unit had lowered its alert level and anticipated a calm weekend. Tragically, he was killed the next day.
Currently, Hamas still holds 97 hostages in Gaza, including at least 35 confirmed dead, according to the IDF. Additionally, Hamas has released 105 civilians since November during truce negotiations. However, efforts to recover hostages continue, with Omer’s family actively advocating for their release.
In a statement, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their grief. “We are devastated and outraged,” they said. “To 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.”
Overall, Omer’s life and sacrifice inspire many. His family promises to honor his memory by continuing to advocate for the hostages and an end to the war. Through their efforts, Omer’s legacy lives on.
