PLAINVIEW, New York — American-Israeli soldier Omer Neutra, from New York, was confirmed dead in Gaza, the Israeli military announced Monday.
Grandson of Holocaust survivors, 21 years old from Long Island He was thought to be a hostage captured by Hamas, but he was killed fighting militants during the massacre of October 7, 2023the Israeli army said.
Neutra’s body was transported to Gaza, where he remains held by Hamas.
Neutra’s family ‘deeply grieving and devastated’
Neutra, who grew up in Plainview, New York, deferred enrolling at SUNY Binghamton to join the Israeli army after attending a Jewish high school. His parents spoke during a Remembrance of the hostages and demonstration in Central Park just hours before the announcement of his death.
“The Neutra family is deeply saddened and devastated by this news. They are currently asking the public who have been very supportive throughout this journey to respect their privacy until they are officially ready to announce next steps,” a family spokesperson said Monday.
CBS News New York
Neutra “served as a tank commander in an Israel Defense Forces unit that was among the first to respond to Hamas’ campaign of cruelty – risking his life to save the lives of others. Originally from Long Island, Omer planned to return to the United States to continue his college education. He dreamed of dedicating himself to building peace,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
New York leaders react to the death of Omer Neutra
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said Monday that flags would be lowered to half-staff in Neutra’s honor.
“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of Omer Neutra, beloved son of the town of Oyster Bay and IDF soldier, who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking news is a profound reminder of the immense sacrifices made by individuals who stand together to protect and defend democracy around the world,” Saladino’s statement read in part. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and all those who loved him. This is a time of unbearable grief and a tragic loss for our entire city.
The Neutra family
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the state and said: “We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who spoke for him and all the hostages since that horrible day. »
“For months, we have been praying for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. This horrible news shakes all New Yorkers to our core,” Hochul said in a statement. “I met 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 lasting peace.
“On October 7, he fiercely defended communities near the Gaza border when Hamas terrorists attacked. For more than 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 deal with this unbearable loss. But I’m also proud of the life Omer lived. His heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I will not rest until his body is brought home. May his memory be a blessing,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement.
After his alleged capture, the Mid-Island Y JCC held weekly events and prayed that Neutra and the 101 hostages would return 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 now. I think it affected everyone equally. I burst into tears when I saw it. I take a deep breath now to hold back my tears. We all feel like we have lost a son, a brother, a friend even if we didn’t know him personally. He’s become the face of what’s happening in Israel,” said Rick Lewis, CEO of the Mid-Island Y JCC.
Families of hostages react to Hamas propaganda video
During 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 finishing high school. He was seen alive in a new propaganda video released by Hamas SATURDAY.
His father described seeing him in the video as both moving and disturbing, but said the family was happy to receive a sign of life.
Israel says 97 hostages remain in captivity.
contributed to this report.