Israeli-American hostage Omer Neutra, of Long Island, killed in Gaza, IDF says

PLAINVIEW, N.Y. — American-Israeli soldier Omer Neutra of New York has been confirmed dead in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said Monday.

Grandson of Holocaust survivors, 21 year old from Long Island was believed to be a hostage taken by Hamas, but he was killed in a battle with militants during the 7 October 2023 Massacrethe IDF 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, deferred her enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to join the IDF after attending a Jewish high school. His parents spoke to a hostage memorial and protest in Central Park just hours before his death was announced.

“The Neutra family is deeply saddened and devastated by the news. At this time, they are asking the public, who have been very supportive throughout this journey, to respect their privacy until they are officially ready to announce the next steps,” a family spokesperson said Monday.

Neutra “served as a tank commander in an Israel Defense Forces unit that was among the first to respond to Hamas' campaign of brutality — risking his life to save the lives of others. A native of Long Island, Omer plans 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 City leaders react to Omer Neutra's death

Oyster Bay Town Manager Joseph Saladino said flags will be at half-staff on Monday in Neutra's honor.

“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of Omer Neutra, a beloved son of the city of Oyster Bay and an IDF soldier who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking news is a profound reminder of the enormous sacrifices made by individuals who stand in service to protect and defend democracy around the world,” Saladino's statement read in part. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Omer's family, friends and all who loved him. This is a time of unbearable sorrow and tragic loss for our entire city.”

New York Gov. Cathy 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, which speaks for him and all the hostages of that terrible day.”

“For months we have been praying for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. This horrific 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 amazing 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 with the 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 face this unbearable loss, but I am also filled with pride for the life Omer lived never to be forgotten and I will not rest until his body is brought home. may his memory be blessed,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement.

Since his alleged capture, the Mid-Island Y JCC has been holding weekly events and praying that Neutra and the 101 hostages make it home 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. I think it affected everyone equally. I burst into tears when I saw it. deep breath now to stop the tears. We all feel like we've lost a son, a brother, a friend, even if we don't know him personally Mid-Island Y JCC Executive Director Rick Lewis.

Hostage families respond to Hamas propaganda video

Over the weekend, Neutra's parents spoke at a rally in Central Parkalong with the father of another Israeli-American hostage.

Edan Alexander, 20, grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey and joined the Israel Defense Forces after high school. He was seen alive in a new propaganda video released by Hamas on Saturday.

His father described seeing him in the video as both emotional and disturbing, but said the family was happy to see a sign of life.

Israel claims 97 hostages remain in captivity.

contributed to this report.