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PLAINVIEW, NY — Israeli-American soldier Omer Neutra of New York has been confirmed dead in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said.
Grandson of Holocaust survivors 21 years old from Long Island was believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas, but was killed fighting the militants The massacre of October 7, 2023the IDF announced on Monday.
Neutra’s body was taken to Gaza, where it is still kept by Hamas.
Neutra’s family “deeply saddened and devastated”
Neutra, who grew up in Plainview, New York, deferred enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to join the IDF after attending a Jewish high school. His parents spoke at hostage memorial and protest in Central Park just hours before his death was announced.
“We need to end this war and bring a ceasefire and get the hostages back,” said his father, Ronen Neutra.
“The Neutra family is deeply saddened and devastated by the news. They are currently asking the community, which has been very supportive throughout this journey, to respect their privacy until they are ready to formally announce their next steps,” a family spokesperson said Monday.
Neutra family
Neutra “served as a tank commander in the Israel Defense Forces, one of the first responders to Hamas’ campaign of brutality, risking his life to save the lives of others. Omer, a Long Islander, planned to return to college in the U.S. he dreamed of devoting himself to for peacebuilding,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
New York City leaders react to Omer Neuter’s death
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said flags will be flown at half-staff Monday in Neutra’s honor.
“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of Omer Neutra, a beloved son of the city of Osterbay and an IDF soldier who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking news is a profound reminder of the enormous sacrifices made by individuals who serve to protect and defend democracy around the world, Saladino said in part in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Omer’s family, friends and all who loved him. This is a time of great sadness and a tragic loss for our entire city.”
New York Gov. Cathy Hochula ordered flags at half-staff across the state and said: “We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking for him and all the hostages since that horrific day.”
“For months, we have prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core,” Hochula said in a statement. “I have met Omer’s brave family and learned so much about this incredible young man. As we mourn this tragedy, we will continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war without the rule of Hamas, and lasting peace.”
CBS News New York
“On October 7th, he fiercely defended communities along 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 excruciating loss. But I am also proud of the life His heroism lived and the sacrifice forgotten, and I will not rest until his body is brought home to his memory is a blessing,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement.
A wall of hope
After Neutra’s alleged capture, the Mid-Island Y JCC in his hometown held weekly events and pleaded for him and the 101 hostages to return home alive.
“We all woke up to the devastating news of the loss of Omer, who we have held in our hearts and prayers for so long. I think it has affected everyone equally. Seeing this brought me to tears. We all feel that we have lost a son, a brother, a friend , even if we didn’t know him, he became the CEO of the Mid-Island Y JCC in Israel, Rick Lewis.
The wall of public expectations has been standing for 422 days. It shows pictures of the hostages they hoped to see alive again.
Gary Zellers, who updates the wall, asked that he never have to add dead stickers to Neutra’s picture.
“My heart goes out to the Neutra family. My heart goes out to all the families of the hostages,” said Cellers, director of facilities at the Mid-Island Y JCC.
Hostage families react to Hamas propaganda video
At the weekend, Neutra’s parents spoke at a rally in Central Parkalongside the father of another Israeli-American hostage.
Edan Alexander, 20, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, and joined the Israel Defense Forces after high school. He was seen alive in a Hamas released a new propaganda video on Saturday.
His father saw him in the video as emotional and distressed, but said the family was happy to receive a sign of life.
Israel says 97 hostages are still being held.
contributed to this report.
