CBS reports that Omer Neutra, an Israeli-American soldier from New York who was initially believed to be held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, was confirmed by the IDF to have been killed on October 7, as he tried to save the lives of others. An IDF spokesperson said that conformation came after intelligence and forensic evidence, which took time, became conclusive. Congressman Randy Feenstra said of his death, “We mourn the loss of Omer Neutra. Hamas viciously murdered him on October 7th. He was just 21. The brutality must come to an end — these terrorists MUST be held accountable for their crimes.” It doesn’t require looking too deeply into Omer Neutra’s life to learn that the Long Island native, who loved to play basketball, was a grandson of Holocaust survivors. Neutra had joined the IDF after high school and became a tank commander. Now, the Long Island community is shattered. Long Island has one of the largest Jewish communities in the nation. Just hours before his son’s death was announced, Neutra’s father spoke at a rally in New York, saying about those who travel to Israel to fight like his son, “They did a Zionistic thing, they left everything behind and gave everything they have for the country of Israel, for the love of Israel and the love of America." Posthumously, Neutra has gained the rank of Captain. He was 21 years old on the day Hamas attacked Israel, killed him, and took him hostage. His body was taken to Gaza, where it is still held by Hamas. One New York newscaster asks with great angst, “Why didn’t Hamas say something before this?” Neutra, “was serving as a tank commander in an Israel Defense Forces unit that was among the first to respond to Hamas’ campaign of cruelty -- risking his life to save the lives of others. A Long Island native, Omer planned to return to the United States for college. He dreamed of dedicating himself to building peace,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. The Neutra family said that they are, of course, “deeply grieving and devastated with the news.” “We all woke up to the news. We were shocked. We were devastated, probably the word I heard the most today,” said Craig Wolfson, president of Temple Chaverim. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags to be flown at half staff in Neutra’s honor. Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said, “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the tragic loss of Omer Neutra, a beloved son of the Town of Oyster Bay and IDF soldier, who was killed by Hamas terrorists. This heartbreaking news is a profound reminder of the immense sacrifices made by individuals who stand in service to protect and defend democracy around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with Omer’s family, friends, and all who loved him. This is a time of unbearable grief and a tragic loss for our entire town.” Hochul also said, “We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him and all hostages since that horrific day.” “For months we’ve prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core,” Hochul said. “I’ve met with Omer’s brave family and learned so much about this incredible young man. As we mourn this tragedy, let us continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war without Hamas in power, and a lasting peace.” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement, “On October 7th, he fiercely defended the communities near the Gaza border when Hamas terrorists attacked. For over a year, his parents lived in hope that their son was still alive. But today, their worst fears were confirmed. My heart breaks for them and their entire family as they face this unbearable loss. But I am also filled with pride in the life that Omer lived. His heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and I will not rest until his body is returned home. May his memory be a blessing.” Edan Alexander, 20 years old and from New Jersey, who also joined the IDF out of high school, was seen alive in a recent Hamas propaganda video. Three Americans are still believed to be held alive in Gaza. Israel’s President Herzog said there’s a lot being done behind the scenes in an effort to bring the hostages home. Congressman Feenstra is participating for Iowa by showing support for Israel at functions such as a recent Iowans Supporting Israel banquet at the Sioux City Country Club, where he spoke of his trips to Israel. “I wanted to tell a story of how important Israel is to the US and I’ve been there multi- ple times and we had a great group of people here that wanted to hear and also advo- cates of Israel American relations,” said Representative Randy Feenstra. Feenstra said that the story the UN is telling, as well as other propaganda, isn’t true. He stressed the importance of calling Hamas and Hezbollah what they are - terrorist groups. The correct terminology is important because as a result of the actions of these terrorist groups, i24 News reports that disabilities in Israel have surged since the war’s beginning. Over 12,000 soldiers have been wounded since Hamas’ attack. When this number is compared to the full 46,210 disabled veterans in Iowa in 2022, an overall number, we recognize that the 12,000 wounded in Iowa accounts for only a single year. Omri Rosenblit, an elite Israeli paratrooper, who lost his leg fighting in the Gaza strip, is one of numerous Israeli soldiers who now spends his life healing; he’s just received a prosthetic leg. As i24News states, “This is an opportunity to create a more accessible and inclusive society for everyone who has a disability.” If there’s anything good that can come from the experience, it will be disability inclusivity, as well as awareness of the truth.
Comments