LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Congregants of a Plainview temple came together in grief Monday night. Four hundred twenty-three days after October 7th, Ronen and Orna Neutra learned their son, Omer, had been killed by Hamas, after all.
Neutra was one of seven Americans held by the terrorist organization. New evidence revealed he likely died in battle near the Nova music festival.
Despite the odds, Neutra’s family on Long Island refused to surrender their hope. “If there’s one thing I’m envisioning, it’s him running out of Gaza into my arms,” said Orna Neutra, back in October.
His parents continued to fight tirelessly until hours before hope was lost. “We need to finish this war and bring the hostages back. It’s time!” said Ronen Neutra, speaking at a rally in Central Park on Sunday morning.
After returning home to Plainview, the Neutras received the devastating news of his murder from the Israeli government.
A vigil was held at Temple Chaverim in Plainview on Monday night in his memory.
“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.
It is believed the IDF soldier’s remains are still in the hands of Hamas. Israeli Deputy Consular General Tsach Saar explained the government’s thorough efforts to confirm his death. “Forensic evidence was collected at the spot of his incident and from intelligence,” Saar said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences and ordered state flags to fly at half-staff, “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 October 7th.
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.
In a statement, the Neutra family said that despite this "unimaginable nightmare", they are "proud of how Omer fought to the end".
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Neutra's home synagogue in Syosset.
