A young New Yorker is confirmed as one of the Americans held hostage by terror group Hamas, his parents said this week.
Ronen and Orna Neutra were informed that their son, Omer Neutra, 21, is being held hostage on Monday when a member of the Israeli consulate came to their home in Melville, Long Island, to deliver the gut-wrenching news.
Hamas is holding more than 100 people hostage in the wake of its deadly terrorist attacks on Israel over the weekend that killed more than 1,300 people, including children.
“Someone gave us the formal news that he was considered abducted by Hamas, but they did not give any further explanation,” Omer’s mother said.
“Then all hell broke loose, and we haven’t spoken to him since,” his mother said.
His parents last spoke to their son on last Friday afternoon. Hamas began its attacks on Israel on Saturday.
Omer had joined the Israeli army, becoming an officer in the Israel Defense Forces before moving up to tank commander. Previously, he had taken a gap year in Israel in 2020, during which he volunteered helping special needs children, even though he was accepted to Binghamton University.
Earlier this week, his parents heard from one of their son’s close friends that he had been trying to defend the Gaza border in a tank, but was forced out by Hamas terrorists.
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“They were ready to defend the border, but unfortunately it seems they were caught by surprise,” Omer’s father said.
“He was looking forward to a quiet, peaceful weekend — Shabbat and the Simchat Torah holiday — and to just chill with his friends,” his father said.
“He was planning to come back,” he said. “And we want him back.”
Omer is an athlete and the captain of several sports teams, as well as a New York Knicks fan.
He grew up in Plainview on Long Island and graduated an honors student from a yeshiva, a traditional Jewish school. He had a big group of friends and also served as the the regional president of the Metropolitan New York Region of United Synagogue Youth.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted her support of the family on Thursday, saying, “We stand in solidarity with his parents, Orna and Ronen, as they call for Omer’s release.”
All New Yorkers are praying for the safe and speedy return of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old from Long Island who is one of hundreds of people kidnapped by Hamas this week.
We stand in solidarity with his parents, Orna and Ronen, as they call for Omer's release. #BringOmerHome pic.twitter.com/Qzg8Qvt2Md
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) October 12, 2023
At least 27 Americans were killed in the terrorist attacks over the weekend, the White House said.
Within hours after Hamas’ attacks on Israel began, disturbing, graphic videos circulated showing murdered Israeli civilians, as well as Hamas soldiers with hostages, including children, the elderly, and bloodied women who appear to have been sexually assaulted.
Israel is now waging a massive counteroffensive, launching hundreds of airstrikes in Hamas-controlled territory, mobilizing 300,000 reservists, and putting tanks near the Gaza border.