Hundreds of friends, family, and elected officials attended the funeral of Plainview native Omer Neutra, who enlisted in the Israeli military and who was presumed to have been held hostage in Gaza for the past year.
More than a year after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas in Israel, the Israel Defense Forces announced in a statement that Neurtra, 21, had been killed in the fighting.
A Plainview resident, Neutra had deferred his enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to join the IDF after graduating from Schechter School of Long Island in Williston Park. He served as a platoon commander in the Armored Corps, according to the IDF.
During his funeral at the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset on Tuesday he was posthumously promoted from commander to captain as tributes poured in from across the world including those from President Joe Biden and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Neutra was described by friends and family as someone who was caring and fearless. Speakers called him devoted to the state of Israel. Stories of his friendship, personality, and dedication to his community were shared by funeral speakers.
Neutra’s parents, Ronen and Orna, led a public campaign for their son’s freedom. The two have lived in the United States for over 25 years.
“We spoke about Omer in so many places, and honestly I’m losing my voice,” Ronen Neutra said during the memorial.
The two spent over a year calling for the return of their son to the United States, Traveling to Israel, Washington DC, Doha, London, and Chicago, among many other places, they told their son’s story.
They spoke at protests in the United States and Israel, addressed the Republican National Convention this year; and remained in steady communication with the Biden administration in their crusade to secure their son’s release.
“You gave too much, too soon.” Orna Neutra said. “I pray that beyond the grief, we will find some comfort in continuing to spread your life. We will miss you forever and love you forever”
While mourning the loss of their son, the parents expressed gratitude for the communal support given to them during their fight to try to find their son and bring him home.
An Instagram account @BringOmerHome has over 20,000 followers and posts daily calling for Neutra’s immediate return to Israel.
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Neutra was thought to be held hostage in Gaza along with 251 other Israelis and foreigners who were taken on Oct. 7. Israel says 97 hostages currently remain in captivity.
It is believed that 97 of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 35 confirmed dead by the IDF.
Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce in late November 2023, and four hostages were released before that. Eight hostages have been rescued alive by troops and the bodies of 37 hostages have also been recovered, including three mistakenly killed by the military as they tried to escape their captors.
The Israeli military did not say how it was able to conclude Omer Neutra’s fate. He was one of seven American-Israelis believed held in Gaza, four of whom are now said to be dead.
Netanyahu described Neutra as a man of values, blessed with talents, and a fully committed Zionist.
“He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the IDF, chose a combat path, and was chosen to command and lead,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “This is what he did at the outbreak of the war on October 2023, when he fought fiercely at the head of his soldiers to defend the settlements surrounding Gaza, until he fell,” he added
Biden pledged his continued commitment to brining back hostages still held in Gaza and his support of Neutra’s family.
“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.” Biden said in a statement.
Gov. Kathy Hochul Monday announced flags on state buildings will be flown at half-staff on the day of the 21-year-old’s funeral.
Hochul, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino were among several elected officials who came to pay their respects to Neutra.
“For months, we’ve prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core,” Hochul said.
“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,” she added.
Sen. Kristen Gillibrand and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi expressed their condolences to Neutra’s family. Suozzi had met with Neutra’s parents last December.
“Today New York mourns the loss of one of our own. The grandson of Holocaust survivors, Omer Neutra, was a Long Island native who loved the New York Knicks,” Gillibrand said in a statement.
“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,” she added.
Saladino ordered American flags on town properties to fly at half-staff in mourning over the death of Omer 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. 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.” Saladino wrote in a statement.
Several state Assembly members expressed their condolences to Neutra’s family.
State Assemblyman Ari Brown condemned the Biden administration for what he described as its failure to act in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, including Israeli and American citizens.
“The pain of losing Omer is unbearable, and it’s made worse by the Biden administration’s inaction,” said Brown. “The U.S. government has failed to prioritize the safe return of hostages, both Israeli and American. We’ve seen empty promises, but no meaningful action.”
“I am devastated by this tragic news and want to express my deepest condolences to Ronen and Orna Neutra, along with their family and loved ones as they begin the process of mourning.” state Assembly Member Charles Lavine said in a statement.
“As we continue to pray for the safe return of all the kidnapped Israelis and Americans and support Israel in its battle for survival, we honor the memory of this true hero who gave his life in the defense of democracy,” he added.
Lavine is president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators.
Numerous members of the Nassau County Legislature also put out statements in support of the Neutra family as well as attending his funeral.
“There is no greater pain for a parent to endure than the loss of a child – and the horrific manner in which Omer Neutra was murdered in cold blood by Hamas terrorists is beyond comprehension,” Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow said.
“As a Jewish Long Islander and a father, I was devastated and enraged to learn of Omer’s murder this morning – an atrocity that shocks the conscience on every imaginable level.
“My heart is absolutely shattered for Omer’s parents and for all of his friends and loved ones who are now mourning his senseless death,” Deputy Minority Leader Drucker said in a statement.
“Just yesterday, we joined with Ronen and Orna at a holiday gathering in Plainview. They never wavered in their prayers and their fight for the safe return of their beloved son and all of the Oct. 7 hostages taken by Hamas terrorists, and they never lost hope during an unthinkable ordeal that spanned more than a year’s time.”
Neutra’s body is still believed to be held in Gaza, so at the moment, there is not a scheduled burial. Midway Jewish Center will be holding a shiva call throughout the week.
