Nassau County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) proudly supported a July 2 fundraiser at The Pickle Complex in Syosset, where pickleball pro Dekel Bar and community members rallied behind the family of Omer Neutra – a Plainview native who was killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist assault upon Israel.
During Neutra’s service as a tank platoon commander on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal assault upon the Israeli homeland – the first of its kind in decades. Neutra was one of the 1,139 people killed during the attack and lost his life during a battle in the vicinity of Nir Oz, a small kibbutz located near Gaza in Southern Israel that was one of the communities most severely impacted by the Hamas terrorist invasion.
His senseless murder sent shockwaves of devastation throughout the world and the Plainview community where he grew up and established deep and lasting familial roots. As of today, Omer Neutra’s body was still being held hostage by Hamas terrorists, further exacerbating the pain and suffering inflicted upon his family members and loved ones as they continue to grieve.
“The overwhelming response to this fundraising event is a testament to the community’s love for Omer Neutra and our unwavering demand for the release of Omer’s body and freedom for every hostage that remains in captivity at the hands of Hamas terrorists,” Drucker said. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and remain in awe of Captain Neutra’s family’s remarkable strength, dignity and resolve after such a horrific loss.”
On February 24, the full Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously to approve Drucker’s resolution sponsored to rename Manetto Hill Road between Washington Avenue and Old Country Road for Captain Neutra –a stretch specifically chosen for its proximity to the Mid Island Y JCC, a major community hub for Nassau’s Jewish community and residents of the greater Plainview area. The road renaming ceremony was held on April 6.