SYOSSET, N.Y. (PIX11) — More than a thousand people gathered on Long Island Tuesday to remember a fallen Israel soldier originally from Plainview, New York.
Family and loved ones were moved to tears at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset.
Omer Neutra grew up in Plainview before moving to Israel and becoming a lieutenant in the Israel Defense Forces.
The death of Neutra, 23, was announced on Monday. His parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, rallied for his return at a rally in Central Park on Sunday and called on President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to work together to bring hostages home.
Hours later, when they returned to their Plainview home, Ronen and Orna Neutra would learn that their son was likely killed during the Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel.
Omer Neutra was born in Manhattan and raised on Long Island. It’s believed his remains are still in the hands of Hamas.
For 14 months, Neutra’s family held out hope he was alive. On Monday, that hope was shattered by confirmation he was killed in the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.
Neutra’s family described him as a natural-born leader who inspired everyone around him with his strength, humor and kindness.
In a statement, the Neutra family said that despite this “unimaginable nightmare,” they are “proud of how Omer fought to the end”.
At the service, there was a salute for Neutra, who has been posthumously promoted from lieutenant to captain in the Israel Defense Forces. Dignitaries paid their respects, including Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Neutra’s family took time to honor not only him but also call for the hostages still being held by Hamas to be rescued or freed.
“We still need Omer’s body home. He needs to have a proper burial. The family needs proper closure,” said Rick Lewis, of the Jewish Community Center on Long Island.
Gov. Kathy Hochul also spoke on Monday, saying, “Regardless of your political views, this is the passing of one of our own.”
In response to the news, President-elect Donald Trump threatened extreme action against Hamas and its allies if the hostages, including seven Americans, were not released.
Meanwhile, Tenafly, New Jersey native Eden Alexander appeared alive in a new hostage video released over the weekend, offering a glimmer of hope to families.
“I think it’s a very positive indication,” said Ruby Chen, who’s from New York. Earlier this year, he was told his son, Itay, was killed by Hamas after being taken hostage on Oct. 7.
Their families have bonded together, still praying the men will return home — alive or not.
“This is another chapter where New Yorkers stay together,” Chen added.