Israeli Protection Forces (IDF) introduced the loss of life of Cap. Omar Maxim Neutra from Lengthy Island Monday. The tank commander was 21.
Neutra was killed throughout the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, based on the IDF. He was posthumously promoted from the rank of lieutenant to captain.
Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed in a press release Monday he was “barbarically murdered” by Hamas.
The Occasions of Israel reported that it had been believed Neutra was alive and being held hostage in Gaza. It’s now thought he was killed in battle close to Nir Oz earlier than his physique was taken over the Gaza border from Israel.
“The IDF shares in the family’s grief,” Israeli officers stated in a press release.
A Barclays Middle crowd hoped for Neutra’s secure return throughout an occasion in October 2023, the place his picture appeared on a Jumbotron. His household got here into Brooklyn from Lengthy Island a day after what would’ve been his twenty second birthday. They believed he was being held captive with two different Individuals.
“We pray that his body can be returned to his family, who have been speaking out for him & all hostages since that horrific day,” Gov. Hochul’s workplace stated.
His mom, Orna Neutra, informed that outlet in October of this yr that it was “devastating” and “unfathomable” to assume her son had spent the previous yr being held hostage within the Hamas-controlled tunnels below Gaza.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand expressed sympathy for Neutra’s family members:
Israeli President Isaac Herzog additionally mourned Neura’s loss of life and referred to as for the return of each sufferer of the Hamas assault on Israel — residing or lifeless.
Greater than 250 Israelis had been kidnapped throughout that incursion, which left 1,200 individuals lifeless together with 46 Individuals. A dozen Individuals had been taken hostage, based on the U.S. Division of State.
No different particulars about Neutra’s loss of life had been made accessible. His household couldn’t instantly be reached for remark.
Initially Revealed: December 2, 2024 at 9:51 AM EST
