Staff Reports
Omer Maxim Neutra, a young American-Israeli tank platoon commander in the Israel Defense Forces, was tragically killed during the brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. For more than a year, Neutra’s family held onto the hope that he was alive, held hostage in Gaza, but the Israeli military confirmed his death 14 months after the attack. His remains continue to be held by Hamas in Gaza, leaving his parents, Ronen and Orna, trapped in a limbo of unbearable uncertainty and grief.
Neutra’s story is one of deep sacrifice and devotion. Raised in Plainview, Long Island, a tight-knit Jewish community with strong connections to Israel, he deferred college to serve in the IDF following a sense of duty instilled in him by his family and community. During the Hamas assault near the southern kibbutz of Nir Oz, Neutra and his fellow soldiers faced overwhelming violence, with their tank being attacked and all four crew members abducted. While his comrades’ deaths have been confirmed, Neutra’s remains have yet to be recovered, prolonging his family’s heartache.
As the months turn into years, the Neutras continue to plead for a ceasefire, hoping for any opportunity to reclaim their son’s body and bring him home to New York. Their struggle mirrors that of many families caught in the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, embodying the human cost behind the headlines. Despite the immense pain, they maintain a steadfast hope for peace and healing, urging the world to understand the true nature of this conflict beyond misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric.
President Trump has stepped into the spotlight with a clear pledge to use his 21-point peace plan to pressure Hamas to release all hostages safely, including Neutra. The Neutra family has expressed gratitude for his leadership, seeing it as a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark and uncertain time. Such efforts highlight the importance of strong leadership in confronting terrorism and pushing for a lasting resolution.
Omer’s legacy is not just in his service but in the values he stood for—a commitment to protecting his homeland and the belief in the necessity of peace grounded in respect and understanding. The troubling surge in anti-Semitism, particularly on college campuses, emphasizes the need for education and awareness. His family’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of conflict and the enduring hope for peace, compassion, and truth in an increasingly divided world.
