By Arnold W. Drucker
On a somber April day, thousands gathered in my hometown of Plainview for a ceremony that should never have had to happen. We renamed Manetto Hill Road as “Captain Omer Neutra Way”— a permanent tribute to a brave young man who lost his life defending his homeland and whose body is still being held hostage by terrorists.
I had the solemn honor of sponsoring the legislation that made this tribute possible. And while it passed unanimously, this wasn’t just a moment of legislative action, it was a moral obligation. As antisemitism continues to rise across America and around the world, we cannot allow the atrocities of October 7, 2023, to be whitewashed, minimized, or forgotten.
Omer Neutra was a son of Plainview, a proud American, and a commander in the Israeli Defense Forces. He was murdered during the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas near Nir Oz, one of the Israeli communities most devastated by the assault. His senseless death shook our community, but the pain deepened with every day his remains remain in captivity.
This act of violence, this war crime, should have rallied universal condemnation. But instead, we are seeing something deeply disturbing: a surge of antisemitism so virulent that even those marching peacefully to honor Omer and advocate for the return of hostages have themselves become targets.
Just weeks ago, in Boulder, Colorado, peaceful demonstrators with the “Run For Their Lives” campaign were attacked with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. Their supposed crime? Calling for the return of hostages. This was not an isolated act of hate; it was the latest in an escalating pattern of antisemitic violence.
As a Jewish American, as a father, and as a public official, I cannot and will not remain silent.
Jewish communities today are navigating a landscape of fear that is unlike anything I have experienced in my lifetime. We must respond not with fear or silence, but with resolve, unity, and a firm commitment to truth and justice. That’s why I sponsored the legislation to honor Omer. That’s why I fought successfully to secure $950,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding for the Mid Island Y JCC. That’s why I speak out – and that’s why I urge every elected official, regardless of party or position, to do the same.
We must call out antisemitism wherever it festers, whether it wears the mask of political activism or the cloak of conspiracy. This is not a matter of left or right. This is a matter of right and wrong.
But the work of governing is not just about remembrance; it’s also about results. That’s why I fought to unlock long-stalled funding for first responders in our community — securing nearly $91,000 for a new Muttontown police vehicle and supporting drainage, streetscape, and public safety projects throughout Syosset, Woodbury, and Plainview.
It’s why I co-sponsored legislation to cut excessive small business fees that are choking entrepreneurs in Nassau County — fees that run three to five times higher than in neighboring Suffolk.
I’ve backed efforts that meet our neighbors where they are, supporting local food pantries, organizing “Shed the Meds” events to safely dispose of expired medications, and honoring the heroism of Plainview firefighters who risked their lives during a devastating apartment fire.
I also stood alongside my Democratic colleagues in taking legal action against County Executive Blakeman’s reckless attempt to create a taxpayer-funded armed civilian militia, a program that lacks oversight, violates state law, and endangers public trust.
At its core, public service isn’t about grandstanding or grabbing headlines. It’s about people. It’s about principle. It’s about doing the hard, necessary work to protect the vulnerable, uphold the law, and deliver results for the communities we represent.
So today, I am renewing my pledge to honor Omer Neutra not just with words, but with action — to preserve the memory of those we’ve lost, protect the freedoms we cherish, and fight against hate in all its forms.
To those who feel alone in this moment, know that you are not. To those calling for justice, know that I am with you. And to those who think this moment will pass, I promise you: we will not forget, we will not back down, and we will not be silent.
Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) is the Deputy Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature and represents District 16, which upon reapportionment encompasses Plainview, Syosset, Old Bethpage, Woodbury, Brookville, Old Westbury, Farmingdale, Hicksville and Jericho.