Plainview, NY — The Israel Defense Forces said on Monday that American-Israeli soldier Omar Neutra of New York has been confirmed dead in Gaza.
A grandson of Holocaust survivors, 21 year old from long island He was believed to be a hostage held by Hamas, but he was killed while fighting the terrorists. October 7, 2023 massacreIDF said.
Neutra's body was taken to Gaza, where it is still held by Hamas.
Neutra's family “deeply saddened and devastated”
Neutra, who grew up in Plainview, New York, postponed enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to join the IDF after attending a Jewish high school. their parents talked once Hostage remembrance and protest in Central Park Just hours before his death was announced.
A spokesperson for the family said on Monday, “The Neutra family is deeply saddened and disappointed by this news. They are currently requesting the public, who has been very supportive of this journey, wait until they can formally announce next steps.” If you do not agree to do so, please respect their privacy.”
CBS News New York
Neutra “served as a tank commander in an Israel Defense Forces unit who was among the first to respond to Hamas' campaign of brutality – risking his own life to save the lives of others. The Long Island native , Omar planned to return to the United States for college. He dreamed of devoting himself to building peace,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
New York leaders react to Omar Neutra's death
Oyster Bay City Supervisor Joseph Saladino said flags will be flown at half-staff Monday in Neutra's honor.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of Omer Neutra, a beloved son and IDF soldier of the City of Oyster Bay, who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking news is deeply saddened by their A deep reminder of the immense sacrifices individuals have made in service to protect and defend democracy around the world,” Saladino's statement read in part. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Omar's family, friends, and everyone who loved him. This is a time of immense grief and tragic loss for our entire city.”
nutra family
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the state and said, “We pray that his body can be returned to his family,” speaking out for him and all hostages since that fateful day. ”
“For months we have prayed for the safe return of Omar Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. This terrible news shakes all New Yorkers to their core,” Hochul said in a statement. “I have met Omar'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 Keep, and a lasting peace.”
“On October 7, he fiercely defended communities near the Gaza border when Hamas terrorists attacked. For more than a year, his parents held out hope that their son was still alive. But today, His worst fears were confirmed. My heart breaks for him and his entire family is filled with pride for the life he lived. will not be forgotten, and I will not rest until his body returns home, a blessing,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's statement said.
After his supposed capture, the Mid-Island Y JCC held weekly events praying that Neutra and the 101 hostages would return home alive.
“We all woke up to the devastating news of the loss of Omar, whom we have held in our hearts and prayers for a long time. I think it hit everyone equally. I burst into tears when I saw it. I take a deep breath to hold back the tears. We all feel as if we have lost a son, a brother, a friend, even if we don't know him personally. whatever happens in israel has become its face,'' said Mid-Island Y JCC CEO Rick Lewis.
Families of hostages react to Hamas propaganda video
Over the weekend, Neutra's parents Spoke at a rally in Central ParkWith the father of another Israeli-American hostage.
Adan Alexander, 20, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey, and joined the Israel Defense Forces after high school. saw him alive in New propaganda video released by Hamas On Saturday.
His father described seeing him in the video as emotional and upsetting, but said the family was happy to find some sign of life.
Israel says 97 hostages are still in captivity.
Contributed to this report.