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LI Mother of Hamas Hostage Fears Escalating War Is Overshadowing Captives’ Plight: ‘We’re Worried’
Edited by: Fern Sidman
The mother of Omer Neutra, a 22-year-old Israeli-American hostage from Long Island, expressed deep concern on Sunday over the growing war in the Middle East, which she fears is diverting global attention from the plight of hostages held by Hamas. Speaking at a rally on Sunday in Central Park marking Omer’s 23rd birthday—the second birthday he has spent in captivity—Orna Neutra voiced the frustrations shared by many families whose loved ones remain in Gaza. As quoted by The New York Post, she said, “Of course we’re worried,” highlighting the emotional toll on the families as the Mideast conflict continues to escalate. Her concern is that the broader war is “taking away attention from Gaza,” shifting the focus from efforts to free hostages such as her son.
“We are here … to make sure that people don’t forget that Omer is there,” said his father, Ronen Neutra. “He’s alive, and he’s waiting to be rescued.” https://t.co/MmBUmkzJ2h
— Newsday (@Newsday) October 14, 2024
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The rally, attended by nearly 300 people, served as both a somber commemoration and a call for action. As the world’s attention turns toward the escalating conflict between Israel and its adversaries in Lebanon and Iran, the families of hostages are determined not to let their loved ones be forgotten. The New York Post reported that Ronen Neutra, Omer’s father, spoke passionately at the rally, declaring, “Today we celebrate your birthday once again while you’re in the terror dungeons of Hamas. But hope is mandatory.” His words echoed the sentiment shared by many who gathered—despite the grim circumstances, they continue to hold on to hope for the safe return of their loved ones.
Family of hostage Omer Neutra hosts community basketball game to honor their son’s 23rd birthday https://t.co/2Tc8fBjnap pic.twitter.com/CqgsknekJw
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 13, 2024
Omer Neutra’s story, as reported by The New York Post, is emblematic of the personal tragedies that unfolded during the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Omer, who grew up in Plainview, Long Island, joined the Israel Defense Force (IDF) after moving to Israel. On October 7, 2023, he was captured by Hamas terrorists near his military base during a surprise attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis. The attack also resulted in the abduction of approximately 250 hostages, including Omer. A year later, about 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas, according to officials cited by The New York Post.
October 373rd. Omer Neutra is the second hostage to miss a second birthday in captivity. He didn’t deserve to miss ONE, let alone two. He & the others are #humansNOTpawns. #bringthemallhomenow pic.twitter.com/AnpiPyRZtk
— M.E.S.Atik 🤍💙🧡🇮🇱🧡💙🤍 (@mesatik) October 14, 2024
As the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza continues, now expanding into confrontations with Iran and Lebanon, families such as the Neutras are left in a painful limbo. The widening scope of the conflict has made the situation for hostages even more precarious. Speaking to The New York Post, Orna Neutra acknowledged the uncertainty but remained steadfast in her belief that Omer is alive. “We’re not grieving,” she said, adding, “We hope that he’s alive. That’s what we’re praying for.” Her words reflect the agonizing balance between fear and hope that many hostage families are forced to endure as the conflict rages on.
Throughout the expanding war, the New York Post has consistently reported on the ongoing efforts to recover hostages from Gaza, providing a platform for the voices of those most affected. The rally in Central Park was not only a plea for attention but also a reminder that, amid the broader political and military struggles, there are personal stories of loss, hope, and resilience that must not be forgotten.
