Parents of 22-Year Old Long Island Man Held as Hostage in Gaza Address RNC with Impassioned Plea to Free Those in Hamas Captivity

Parents of 22-Year Old Long Island Man Held as Hostage in Gaza Address RNC with Impassioned Plea to Free Those in Hamas Captivity

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In the heart of Milwaukee, amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Republican National Convention, a poignant story of despair and determination is unfolding. Ronen and Orna Neutra, the parents of 22-year-old Omer Neutra, have embarked on a mission to rally support from Republican lawmakers and their supporters. According to a report that appeared on Tuesday on The Hill web site, their objective is both urgent and personal: to exercise any influence necessary to secure the release of their son and the estimated 120 other hostages held by Hamas since the harrowing events of October 7th.

As such, the couple from Plainview, Long Island took the stage at the RNC on Wednesday evening as they delivered an impassioned appeal for the powers that be to make it possible that their son, Omer, 22, a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces be extricated from his 284 day nightmare of Hamas captivity in Gaza.  Omer was kidnapped from his tank near the border with the strip during Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7.

Omer turned 22 only a week after the October 7^th massacre in which 1200 Israelis and others were brutally slaughtered and 251 were taken hostage. “His name is Omer, which means, first fruits, in Hebrew as he is our oldest son,“ his mother Orna said with palpable emotion reverberating in her voice as she addressed the convention attendees.

In a heartfelt conversation with The Hill ahead of their planned address at the convention, Ronen Neutra emphasized the critical nature of their appeal. “We are aware that we’re getting closer to the elections and as such, the different parties are pulling in different directions. But we urge everybody to work together,” he implored, as was reported by The Hill. The Neutras’ plea transcends political divides, seeking a united front to bring about a resolution to a dire situation.

President Biden has announced that Israel and Hamas have, in principle, agreed to a three-phase cease-fire deal, first introduced at the end of May. However, the intricate details and implementation strategies are still under negotiation. The Hill also reported that Ronen Neutra stressed the urgency of the moment, stating, “We are calling on the two parties and the administration to work hand in hand, put the pressure on all the parties involved, to make sure that they reach a deal now. It’s urgent. People are dying there. There is a real opportunity on the table.”

The last time the Neutras heard from their son was on October 6th, a day before the devastating Hamas attack. Since then, nearly 300 days have passed without any word on his well-being. Omer is one of eight Americans believed to be alive and held in Gaza.

Omer Neutra’s story is one of interrupted dreams and patriotic duty. The Hill reported that he had just graduated from high school on Long Island and was poised to begin his studies at Binghamton University. Instead, he chose to join the Israeli army, driven by a deep sense of duty and a connection to his heritage. His 22nd birthday passed in captivity, a stark reminder of the life milestones he is missing.

The Neutras are dual citizens of the United States and Israel, with deep roots in both countries. Their personal history is marked by the harrowing experiences of their fathers, both Holocaust survivors. Orna Neutra poignantly shared with The Hill, “Omer grew up on those stories, and the narrative of a strong Israel that needs to exist in order for the Jewish people to have a home.” This legacy of resilience and the imperative of a secure homeland for the Jewish people underpin the Neutras’ determination.

As the Neutras addressed the convention, they carried with them the weight of their personal tragedy and the hopes of countless other families enduring similar pain. Their call to action is a powerful reminder of the human cost of geopolitical conflicts and the imperative for swift and decisive action. By appealing to the Republican lawmakers and supporters, the Neutras hope to catalyze a concerted effort to secure the release of the hostages.

The story of the Neutra family is a stark illustration of the intersection between personal grief and global politics. As the world watches, the Neutras’ plea echoes a universal call for compassion, justice, and the enduring hope for a reunion with their beloved son.