WASHINGTON, D.C. – After 14 months of war between Israel and Hamas, the IDF announced 21 year-old Omer Neutra from New York, died during the October 7th attack on Israel. It was originally believed that Neutra was taken captive into Gaza as one of the handful of hostages. His family released a statement saying in part they are devastated by this news and hope to have his remains returned home.
“He’s an all-American kid,” said Ronen Neutra, Omer’s dad told us back in April. “Loves the NBA and NFL. Participates in fantasy football.”
“Omer is a very social person,” said Orna Neutra, Omer’s mom told us back in April. “He always sees the good in people.”
Over the course in the past 14-months, we met up with the family several times on Capitol Hill and at political national conventions, who were advocating for Hamas to release their son and the remaining hostages. At the time, it was believed that Omer was taken captive into Gaza following the October 7th attacks.
“We miss Omer a lot,” said Daniel Neutra, Omer’s brother in an interview at the Democratic National Convention in August. “And we think about him all the time.”
But their worst fears were confirmed. Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) announced based on intelligence, Omer was killed in battle on October seventh and his body has been held hostage in Gaza since. Omer was one of a handful of American-Israeli citizens believed to be held captive by Hamas. His family said he was enrolled in Binghamton University but took a gap year to join the IDF. His family said he was on patrol near Israel’s southern border when Hamas invaded.
New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY) and Chuck Schumer (D- NY) are heartbroken over the loss. Senator Gillibrand released a statement saying in part:
“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 (D- NY)
President Biden said he is devastated to learn about Omer’s death. He also released a statement saying in part:
“Less than a month ago, Omer’s mother and father joined me at the White House to share the pain they’ve endured as they prayed for the safe return of their son – pain no parent should ever know. They told me how Omer’s grandparents were Holocaust survivors and how their family’s strength and resilience has been carried through the generations.
During this dark hour—as our nation joins Omer’s parents, brother, and family in grieving this tragic loss—we pray to find strength and resilience. And 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.”
President Joe Biden
