Plainview native Omer Neutra, who was beforehand believed to be alive and held hostage by Hamas, was introduced lifeless this morning by the IDF.
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The household of Omer Nuetra, the Plainview resident and Israeli Protection Power soldier killed within the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist assault, acquired his physique over two years later, officers introduced on Nov. 2.
The 21-year-old twin citizen’s physique was considered one of three that Hamas returned on the identical day — 759 days after the assaults — to Israel, the place the soldier’s household is planning closing preparations.
“Our Omer is on Israeli soil,” his father, Ronen Neilutra, informed The Instances of Israel in an announcement. “Finally — so much pain and so much relief!”
Nuetra’s return comes after Hamas returned 17 our bodies to Israel since an Oct. 10 ceasefire was reached, however 11 extra stay in Gaza. The final 20 surviving hostages have been returned upon the settlement.
The Israel-Hamas conflict started on Oct. 7, 2023, when terrorists stormed Israel, killing 1,200 folks and taking 251 hostages, making it the deadliest days for Jews for the reason that Holocaust throughout World Warfare II.
Tens of 1000’s of civilians have been killed, most of them Palestinians, in the course of the conflict because the hostages’ extended captivity continued to carry day by day anguish to their households, buddies and supporters internationally.
President Donald Trump informed reporters that he spoke with Neutra’s household.
State and native politicians took to X on Sunday to specific their happiness for the Neutra household.
“Omer’s loved ones have advocated fiercely for him and now, his body has finally been returned for proper burial,” Gov. Kathy Hochul mentioned.
“This is the end of a bitter chapter for the Neutra family. I pray that they can find some peace,” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi mentioned.
“I’m wishing comfort to the Neutra family, who tirelessly fought to bring their son and all the hostages home,” U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen mentioned.
EPA Administrator and Lengthy Island native Lee Zeldin thanked the Trump administration after Israel secured Neutra’s physique on X.
After graduating from the Schecter Faculty of Lengthy Island in Williston Park in 2020, Neutra spent a spot yr in Israel. Upon his return, he deferred his enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to affix the IDF, the place he served as a platoon commander.
Neutra was stationed on the border and was believed to be held hostage till Dec. 1, 2024, when the IDF confirmed his dying.
A funeral was held on the Halfway Jewish Middle in Syosset following the announcement, drawing a whole lot of individuals to pay their respects. Neutra was posthumously promoted to captain in the course of the service.
Neutra was honored a number of occasions all through 2025 as his household awaited his physique to be returned. The Schecter Faculty held a retirement ceremony for his quantity “24,” Nassau County renamed a avenue in his honor and the Halfway Jewish Middle devoted a Torah to him.
