This past week, the Long Island community came together to honor the life and sacrifice of Omer Neutra, a local hero and Israeli soldier who lost his life during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Hundreds gathered for the “Run for Their Lives” walk, a poignant event aimed at remembering Neutra while advocating for the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
Omer Neutra, a Plainview native and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tank commander, was just twenty-one years old when his life was tragically cut short. Initially believed to be among the hostages taken by Hamas, his family recently learned from the Israeli government that he had been killed during the October 7 attack. Heartbreakingly, Hamas continues to withhold his body, leaving his family in agonizing uncertainty.
Rabbi Michael Stanger spoke at the event, emphasizing Neutra’s profound impact on those who knew him.
“We are out here because many of us knew Omer Neutra. He wasn’t just a face on the news. He was a soldier, a Plainview resident, a friend, and a family member,” Stanger said.
Participants held signs reading “Bring Them Home Now” as they walked to the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, where an outdoor ceremony paid tribute to Neutra’s life and service. Community leaders and Neutra’s friends shared heartfelt memories, painting a picture of a young man full of life, laughter, and dedication.
Rick Lewis, CEO of the Mid-Island Y JCC, spoke of the collective grief shared by the community.
“The community has a gigantic loss. Our role here is to help guide people,” Lewis said. “This fight is far from over”.
The event also served as a platform for raising awareness about the plight of hostages still held in Gaza. Rabbi Stanger called for unified efforts to secure their release, stating, “Yes, the war should end, but those hostages should be freed in order for that to happen.”
A memorial service for Neutra was held last Tuesday at the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset. During the service, his mother, Orna Neutra, spoke of her son’s love for Israel and his brave service.
“For over a year now, we’ve been breathing life into your being, my beautiful boy, with no physical sign back from you,” said Neutra to over one thousand attendees at least week’s Syosset memorial. “We envisioned images of our reunion focusing on doing, on our fight for your release and for some clarity in the face of the unknown. And now, things are clear, but not as we hoped.”
Neutra, the grandson of Holocaust survivors, was posthumously promoted from lieutenant to captain. His death marks the loss of a young leader whose legacy of bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
“Honored to join the AJC in Syosset Monday night to remember Omer Neutra’s life and sacrifice. My thoughts are with his loved ones. The U.S. must act swiftly to bring all hostages, including 3 Americans, home,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) on X, formerly known as Twitter. LaLota had been one of the most vocal congressional members in the fight for Neutra’s and the others hostages’ release.
“Eight years ago, I met a fourteen-year-old Solomon Schechter School freshman at the local Salute to Israel event at the Sid Jacobson JCC on Long Island. His name was Omer Neutra,” remarked Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) from the House floor regarding his constituent. “When I met Omer’s parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, in December 2023, they described Omer as a ‘likable, big, goofy kid’ who excelled in sports, and who other kids liked to be around. After graduating from Solomon Schechter School, Omer, whose grandparents were Holocaust survivors, decided that before going to Binghamton University, he would join the Israel Defense Forces. Instead of just staying for a year, he worked his way up to become a tank commander.”
Governor Kathy Hochul (D), alongside other dignitaries, attended the memorial and ordered flags across New York State lowered to half-staff in Neutra’s honor. President Biden (D-DE) and President-Elect Trump (R-FL) both said they would bring hostages home and sent their condolences to the Neutra family. The Neutra family, despite their grief, remains steadfast in their advocacy for the release of hostages, ensuring that Omer’s memory continues to inspire action and unity.