Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board, joined by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, community leaders, clergy, students, and residents, dedicated a parklet in Plainview in memory of Captain Omer Neutra, a beloved son of this community who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Israel Defense Forces. The newly named Captain Omer Neutra Park, located at Phipps Lane and Marilyn Boulevard, stands as a permanent tribute to his courage, leadership, and love of humanity.
Saladino opened the program by welcoming attendees and paying tribute to Captain Neutra’s life, service, and enduring legacy. “The Town of Oyster Bay never forgets its hometown heroes, especially the brave men and women who defend freedom around the world,” said Saladino. “Captain Omer Neutra embodied bravery, commitment, and an unwavering love of humanity. This park ensures that his memory will forever be woven into the fabric of our community.”
The program featured musical performances by acclaimed violinist Nicolas Attila and the Schechter School of Long Island Choir, as well as prayers and reflections from clergy, family, and friends. Blakeman, Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato, and other elected officials also honored Neutra’s memory.
Blakeman spoke of Neutra’s valor and his impact on our nation. “Captain Omer Neutra made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to protect the state of Israel and the Jewish people, and by extension protecting all of us here in America. Let his courage give us the strength to continue to fight against antisemitism and hatred, and fight for the safety and freedom of our children and grandchildren so future generations may only know peace.”
Neutra, a 2019 graduate of Schechter School of Long Island, was captain of his soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams before deferring college at Binghamton University to join the Israel Defense Forces. The grandson of Holocaust survivors and son of Ronen and Orna Neutra – who, along with his brother Daniel, are dual American Israeli citizens – Omer rose to the rank of captain while overseeing a base near the Gaza border. On October 7, 2023, at just 21 years old, his life was tragically taken during the Hamas attack on Israel.
“Omer learned to ride his bike in this very park, played sports here, and grew into a leader whose memory will forever inspire us,” Saladino said. “By dedicating this park in his name, we affirm that his legacy of service and sacrifice will live on for generations. Every time someone passes by this sign, they will be reminded of his strength, his love for others, and the freedom he fought to protect.”
The dedication ceremony included a moving moment of silence for all service members, veterans, first responders, and those impacted by October 7th, as well as the official unveiling of the park’s new sign and basketball court, alongside a memorial bench donated by the Plainview Little League.
Saladino concluded, “To Ronen, Orna, Daniel, and the entire Neutra family – there are no words to fully express our sorrow or gratitude. This community stands with you today and always. May Captain Omer Neutra’s memory forever be a blessing and may this park serve as a lasting testament to his life, his courage, and his sacrifice.”