By Hank Russell
Local elected officials expressed their sympathies to the family of Plainview resident Omer Neutra after it was just confirmed that he was killed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Neutra, who was an Israeli-American citizen and served as sa platoon tank commander with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was thought to have been alive and taken hostage in Gaza, according to news reports. On December 2, the IDF confirmed that Neutra was dead after Hamas terrorists said they were still holding his body.
According to the Israeli military, Neutra was one of 37 hostages killed by Hamas.
“Today, the Plainview community awoke to the horrifying news that Omer Neutra was murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023,” Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) said in a statement. “My heart is absolutely shattered for Omer’s parents and for all of his friends and loved ones who are now mourning his senseless death.”
Drucker joined Neutra’s parents, Ronen and Orna, for a holiday gathering the day before the IDF’s announcement. “They never wavered in their prayers and their fight for the safe return of their beloved son and all of the Oct. 7 hostages taken by Hamas terrorists, and they never lost hope during an unthinkable ordeal that spanned more than a year’s time,” he said.
The Town of Oyster Bay will be flying flags at half-staff in memory of Neutra. “This heartbreaking news is a profound reminder of the immense sacrifices made by individuals who stand in service to protect and defend democracy around the world,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Omer’s family, friends, and all who loved him. This is a time of unbearable grief and a tragic loss for our entire town.”
Governor Kathy Hochul said all state facilities will fly American flags at half-staff on the day of Neutra’s funeral. Neutra’s parents have yet to set a date for the service. “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,” Hochul said. “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.”
“I am devastated by this tragic news and want to express my deepest condolences to Ronen and Orna Neutra, along with their family and loved ones as they begin the process of mourning,” said state Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove), who also serves as president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL) and a member of the NAJL’s National Board of Directors. “As we continue to pray for the safe return of all the kidnapped Israelis and Americans and support Israel in its battle for survival, we honor the memory of this true hero who gave his life in the defense of democracy.”