U.S. and Israeli officials and American Jewish organizations reflected on Monday on Israel’s bittersweet liberation of the remains of lone soldier Omer Neutra, 21, an Israeli-American serving in the Israeli military whom Hamas killed on Oct. 7.
The terror organization held his body for more than two years before returning his remains, and those of Asaf Hamami and Oz Daniel, on Sunday.
“Omer’s loved ones have advocated fiercely for him, and now, his body has finally been returned for proper burial,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote of the Long Island, N.Y. native.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. secretary of state, wrote that “Omer’s death is tragic, but his life is a testament to the resolve of the Jewish people,” and that “we will never forget his story, nor the ultimate sacrifice he paid for peace.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) stated that “while this is not the outcome any of us had hoped for, I am relieved that Omer’s body has finally been returned to Israel, allowing his loved ones to lay him to rest with dignity,” CBS News reported.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called Neutra a “proud New Yorker” and said that he was returned after “two anguishing years.” He added that he got to know Netura’s family well over the past two years.
“I know nothing will erase the pain of losing their son,” he said. “Finally, after two years, Omer can be laid to rest in proper burial.” He added that Hamas must return all of the eight bodies it continues to hold, “including that of New Yorker, American-Israeli Itay Chen.”
Ofir Akunis, the Israeli consul general in New York, stated that he had the “privilege to get to know Omer’s parents, Ronen and Orna,” and that he “witnessed their incredible strength and resilience over the past two years.”
“The Israeli government will not rest until the remaining hostages are freed and ensure the Hamas terrorist organization adheres to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement,” he said.
The Jewish Federations of North America mourned the “loss of a courageous warrior,” and honored “the lives and memories of the four other hostages whose remains were returned in the last week.”
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, stated that he was “lucky enough to get to know the Neutra family, an American family from Long Island, since Oct. 7.”
“They’ve been unwavering in their advocacy for Omer and for all of the hostages and their families,” Deutch wrote. “The Neutras so deserve the opportunity for closure and the opportunity to bury Omer, and now, they’ll finally have that.”
