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Edited by: Fern Sidman
The tragic fate of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old from Plainview, Long Island, who was abducted by Hamas during its deadly October 7 attack on Israel, was confirmed Monday by the Israeli military. After weeks of uncertainty, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that Neutra had been killed during the attack, with his body taken to Gaza by Hamas.
This heartbreaking development, as reported by The New York Post on Monday speaks volumes about the human toll of the October 7 assault, which left a profound impact on Israel and the global Jewish community.
Neutra, who had immigrated to Israel to serve in the IDF, was a tank commander in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion. According to the report in The New York Post, he was stationed near the Nahal Oz community when Hamas launched its ambush. His tank was set on fire during the attack, and chilling footage later emerged showing Hamas fighters surrounding the burning vehicle and dragging four soldiers out, including Neutra.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Neutra’s courage and commitment: “Omer was a man of values, blessed with talents, and a Zionist in every sense of the word. He immigrated to Israel to enlist in the IDF, chose a combat path, and was chosen to command and lead.”
The news reverberated through Neutra’s home state of New York. Governor Kathy Hochul, who had met with Neutra’s family during their time of uncertainty, expressed her grief and solidarity: “For months we’ve prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core. 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.”
The New York Post report indicated that in honor of Neutra’s sacrifice, Hochul has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of his funeral, a gesture of respect for the young man who lived by his values and gave his life defending the State of Israel.
The confirmation of Neutra’s death highlights the ongoing crisis involving hostages and bodies held by Hamas in Gaza. According to the information provided in The New York Post report, there are still 62 hostages alive in Gaza, while the bodies of 35 others are being withheld. A total of 251 people were abducted during the October 7 attack, which claimed over 1,200 lives and saw widespread atrocities.
Neutra’s death adds to the grim tally of lives lost to terrorism. His parents had previously shared their anguish with The New York Post, recounting their hopes and fears after learning of their son’s abduction. Now, the confirmation of his death brings a devastating finality to their ordeal.
Neutra’s journey to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was fueled by a deep sense of duty and camaraderie. A high school athlete and die-hard Knicks fan, Neutra deferred his acceptance to Binghamton University in 2020 to take a gap year in Israel. What began as a temporary stay evolved into a life-altering decision to enlist in the IDF. According to information contained in The New York Post report, Neutra was inspired by the commitment of his fellow trainees and felt compelled to stay and serve.
“Omer was moved by the dedication of his comrades,” said his father, Ronen Neutra. “He felt it wouldn’t be right to leave them behind and return to New York.”
