December 2, 2024
FROM GOV> KATHY HOCHUL: GOVERNOR HOCHUL DIRECTS FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF TO HONOR OMER NEUTRA, 21-YEAR-OLD NEW YORKER KILLED BY HAMAS ON OCTOBER 7
Officials Today Announced That Neutra, Presumed Captive For 14 Months, Was Killed During October 7 Hamas Terror Attacks
Governor Hochul Directs Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State Facilities on the Day of Neutra’s Memorial Ceremonies
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced flags on state buildings will be flown at half-staff on the day of 21-year-old Omer Neutra’s funeral. Neutra, a dual American-Israeli citizen who was born in New York City and grew up on Long Island, was killed during the brutal Hamas attacks of October 7 according to information released by Israeli government officials earlier today.
“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,” Governor 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.”
Omer Neutra grew up in Plainview, Long Island and served as a soldier for the Israeli Defense Forces. Governor Hochul has met with his parents, Orna and Ronen Neutra, to discuss the urgent need to bring all hostages home. The Governor has repeatedly and aggressively called for the safe return of all hostages taken by Hamas, including during a 2023 visit to Israel and at multiple memorial and remembrance events.
New York State facilities will lower flags to half-mast on the day of Neutra’s funeral. That date will be selected by the Neutra family and publicly announced in the coming days.
FROM SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER: “I am devastated and heartbroken to learn Omer Neutra was killed by Hamas on 10/7. He was 21. From Long Island. I’ve met with his family. They’re incredible people who fought with determination for Omer. I won’t stop fighting to bring Omer’s remains and the 101 hostages home.”
FROM SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND: “Today, New York mourns the loss of one of our own. The grandson of Holocaust survivors, Omer Neutra was a Long Island native who loved the New York Knicks. He loved Israel and felt a duty to serve, deferring his acceptance to Binghamton University to spend a gap year in Israel before he joined the IDF.
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.”
FROM CONGRESSWOMAN CLAUDIA TENNEY: “I am heartbroken to learn of the murder of American-Israeli Omer Neutra, a New Yorker, during the horrific October 7 attack. We pray that his body is quickly returned to his family and for justice to prevail against those responsible. May his memory be a blessing.”
