The IDF Spokesperson announced this morning (Monday) that Captain Omer Maxim Neutra, who was kidnapped from the tank at the Gaza border near Nir Oz on October 7, was murdered by Hamas on the day of his abduction. His body is still being held in captivity.
Omer, 21 years old at the time of his death, was a lone soldier who immigrated from New York. After a preparatory year as part of the Tzabar youth movement, he enlisted in the armored corps and served as a tank platoon commander in Battalion 77 of the “Golan Storm Division,” known as Brigade 7. The brigade is the oldest armored brigade in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), established on May 16, 1948, has participated in all of Israel’s wars since it’s inception and has played a critical role on the battlefield during the current conflict.
“A warm, optimistic person who loves people.”
On October 7, Omer was kidnapped and taken to Gaza along with his soldiers – Nimrod Cohen, Shaked Dahan, and Oz Daniel, Of Blessed Memory. Omer was an American citizen, and his parents worked with the Biden administration officials to apply international pressure and secure a hostage deal. His death was confirmed by the Chief Military Rabbi after reviewing all evidence and based on reliable information. Omer is survived by his parents Ronen and Orna, and his brother Daniel, who were informed now that his death had occured already on October 7.
The families’ headquarters for the return of the hostages stated after the announcement of Neutra’s death, that he “loved sports, played soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and was the captain of his school’s sports teams. His family and friends described him as a warm, optimistic person who ‘lights up the room the moment he enters it.'”
